It's hard to believe: Strawberry is the dirtiest fruit

Of the 12 dirtiest vegetables in the United States, strawberries are in the first place because they can hold up to 20 pesticides.

To protect consumers' health, each year, the Environmental Working Group provides a list of 12 most dirty vegetables. This year, for the third time in a row, strawberries ranked first . Next is spinach (spinach), nectarine, apple, grape, peach, cherry, pear, tomato, celery, potato and bell pepper.

According to CNN, the list above is selected from 47 types of non-organic vegetables based on six criteria, including quantity and residue of pesticides. Results showed that a strawberry sample infected up to 20 pesticides. The spinach samples also contain more pesticide residues than other crops 1.8 times.

In addition to the 12 named vegetables and fruits, the Environmental Working Group warns the community to take note of chili after discovering they have nerve-damaging toxins.

Strawberries are arguably the dirtiest fruit in America.(Photo: CNN).

Science has long proved that pesticides harm people, especially children. The American Society of Pediatricians points out that pesticides can lead to chronic health complications including neurological and behavioral development problems, birth defects, asthma and cancer. Children exposed to pesticides while still in the womb are also at risk.

In order to limit risk, the Environmental Working Group recommends that consumers who want to eat agricultural products on the list of 12 most dirty vegetables and fruits only choose to buy organic products . Besides, be careful to clean them before using at least 30 seconds with clean water or baking soda solution as suggested by the University of Massachusetts. Cooking is also an effective method to reduce toxins.

Not only does the list of the 12 dirtiest vegetables and fruits, the Environmental Working Group also lists the 15 cleanest fruits and vegetables. Topping this number is butter. Next positions belong to corn, pineapple, cabbage, onion, frozen beans, papaya, asparagus, mango, eggplant, green melon, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli.