Other fruits with far lower pesticide residues can be offered. Substitute blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, watermelon and kiwis. Bell peppers are more heavily contaminated with neurotoxic insecticides than all other crops analyzed. Although green peppers are high in vitamin C, and red peppers add vitamin A and carotenoids, there are several less toxic alternatives. Substitute broccoli, romaine lettuce, green peas, asparagus, brussel sprouts or carrots.
Spinach contains DDT, permethrin, chlorthalonil and other carcinogenic pesticides.
Substitute broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus and romaine lettuce. Cherries from the U.S. are three times more contaminated with pesticides than their imported counterparts, which are among the cleanest fruits and vegetables analyzed. Except for their marginal amounts of vitamin C and their value as a treatment for gout, they are not as nutritious as many other fruits. However cherries DO contain a powerful compound known as ellagic acid that counteracts carcinogens, so it is worthwhile to seek out imported cherries. Substitute oranges, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and kiwi.