Eating fresh produce is the best way to obtain daily nutrients, but the pesticides used on many crops remain a major health concern. By choosing organic foods, you can reap the health benefits of fruits and vegetables without exposing yourself to potentially harmful chemicals.

Make sure you purchase only organic varieties of the produce listed below. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), common growing practices make these crops the most likely to contain pesticide residues:

The following "Dirty Dozen Plus" had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions - or to grow them organically yourself:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Spinach
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Grapes
9. Green beans
10. Lettuce
11. Cucumbers
12. Blueberries (domestic)
13. Potatoes

Plus these which may contain organophosphate insecticides, which EWG characterizes as "highly toxic" and of special concern:

• Kale/collard greens

To learn more about EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides visit www.foodnews.org, and you can hear more of my views about the guide in this video.

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