As I mentioned in the previous post, there are very few, if any, proven adverse health implications from consuming trace quantities of pesticides present on exterior of foods. However, there might be long-term effects of pesticide consumption that we aren't aware of yet. So I'd recommend playing it safe, and trying to limit consumption of foods which have a lot of pesticide residue.
(5) Potatoes
Safer alternative: sweet potatoes.
In general, fruits and vegetables with thick skins that are removed before eating (melons, avocado, corn, etc.) tend to have the lowest amounts of pesticide residue.
Adapted from: link.
One way of achieving it would be eating only organic food. By definition, organic produce was cultivated without use of pesticide or other harmful chemicals.
If organic food is not available where you live, or you can't afford to go purely organic, take a look at the list I posted below, and consider either limiting those foods in your diet, or switching to buying their organic counterparts. If you do that, you should be able to reduce your exposure to pesticide by 80% (link).
A list of foods that consistently have a lot of pesticide residue (based on the USDA tests conducted after a typical household preparation):
(1) Leafy Greens
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Collard Greens
Safer alternatives: cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dandelion greens.
(2) Berries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Cherries
(3) Tree Fruits
- Apples, as well as apple juice and apple sauce.
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Grapes, as well as raisins and wine
Peeling will help reducing exposure to pesticide residue, but it will also take away many of the fruit's most beneficial nutrients.
Safer alternatives: kiwi, pineapple, mango, grapefruit, melons.
(4) Celery
Safer alternatives: cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts.
Safer alternative: sweet potatoes.
(6) Fatty Meats
Safer alternative: lean meats.
(7) Milk
(8) Coffee and cocoa beans (coffee, cocoa, chocolate)
And here's a list of fifteen "clean" vegetables and fruits:
(1) Onions
(2) Sweet Corn
(3) Pineapple
(4) Avocado Avocado
(5) Asparagus
(6) Sweet peas
(7) Mango
(8) Eggplant
(9) Cantaloupe (domestic)
(10) Kiwi
(11) Cabbage
(12) Watermelon
(13) Sweet Potatoes
(14) Grapefruit
(15) Mushrooms
In general, fruits and vegetables with thick skins that are removed before eating (melons, avocado, corn, etc.) tend to have the lowest amounts of pesticide residue.
Adapted from: link.