The most heavily sprayed fruits and vegetables are peaches, strawberries, apples, spinach, nectarines, celery, pears, cherries, potatoes, bell peppers, raspberries and imported grapes, says Camille Dieterle, M.A., registered occupational therapist and a resident and doctoral candidate at the USC Occupational Faculty Practice. “With these fruits and vegetables chose organic if you can,” she says. “However, if you can’t get organic, the health benefits from eating fruits and vegetables outweighs the risks from eating non-organic, so wash your produce well with water and enjoy!”
Subscribe Now
Stay up to date on the latest health news. Sign Up here to get each new issue of USC Health Now.
Explore Related Topics
- No Topics
Find Similar Articles
- Think Pink
- Q. I've seen recent studies stating that many older individuals enjoy healthy sex lives. Is this true?
- Artery Attack
- Deep Sleep
- Q. Is a brain aneurysm the same thing as a stroke?
- Flu Prep
- Rainy Day Allergies
- Smaller Surgeries
- Q. Almost all my friends have been able to quit smoking, but I just can’t kick the habit. Could it be genetic?
- Kids & Cancer
- Q. Can you overdose on Tylenol?
- Just Say Ahhh…
- Prostate Cancer Awareness
- Q. I know Hispanic adults are at a high risk for type 2 diabetes, but what about my kids? What is their risk?
- Intimacy in Long-Term Cancer Survivors
- Air Attack
- Q. I wear braces on my teeth and recently heard of a way to cut down on the time needed for them to be effective. Can adults benefit from the procedure?
- On the Job Attitude
- Cataract Clues
- Virtual Relief
- Q. When comedian Bernie Mac passed away earlier this month from pneumonia, I saw that he also had sarcoidosis. What is that?
- Brain Boosters
- Tooth Prep
- Q. I just saw a new recommendation that men over 75 should not be screened for prostate cancer. Do you agree?
- Q. My friend was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Is there any new technology in neurosurgery that he should explore as a treatment option?
- Exercise Elixir?
- Seeking Immunity
- Q. I have to sit a lot for my new job and my back is starting to hurt. Is there anything I can do to help?
- Skin Solutions
- Online Experts
- Give Blood
- Q. I am concerned about a friend who smokes cigars on a daily basis. He says they're not nearly as unhealthy as cigarettes, since you don't inhale them. What are the possible dangers?
- Stave Off Stumbles
- Aspirin Advantage?
- Q. Is it true that pregnancy is a risk factor for heart attack?
- Dealing with Disaster
- Sun Safety
- Q. My teenage daughter has lost some weight lately but seems otherwise healthy. I’m concerned she may have an eating disorder—what are some signs to look for?
- Oral Health on the Go
- Reflux Report
- Q. I recently started distance running and was told by a friend to make sure I consume a sport drink with electrolytes. What are electrolytes and do I really need them during a long run?
- Sparkle Safely
- Eye Education
- Debunking Detox Diets
- Q. I’m concerned that my husband’s constant worrying is bad for his heart, but he thinks I’m making a fuss over nothing. Who is right?
- Q: My friend suggested I see a music therapist to aid in my recovery from surgery. Can music really help me heal?
- Let the Sun Shine In, Safely
- Helmet How-To
- Fit Fellows
- Q: I've heard hormones may play a role in colon cancer. Is this true?
- Bon Voyage
- Buddy System
- A Spotlight on Stem Cells
- Q: Someone told me that my headaches may be related to my teeth. Is this true?
- Ultrasound Uncertainties
- Q. I’ve heard that some medications for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cause lymphoma. Is this true?
- Fit Test
- Suspicious Scent
- Fired Up
- Q. I have a 7-year-old son who is starting to explore different sports and I’m concerned about eye injuries. What activities warrant the use of protective eyewear?
- Q. I've heard eating charred meats may cause cancer. Is this true?
- Asthma Awareness
- Exercises for the Expecting
- Q. I recently found out that I’m pregnant and want to stay physically fit. Is it safe for me to exercise while pregnant?
- Smile as Nature Intended
- Summer Skin Safety
- Q. I’ve never been tested for HIV, but know it should be part of my routine medical care. How do they test for it and where can I get tested?
- Going Green
- Keep Kids Safe
- Teen Breakfast Benefits
- Q. I’m feeling stressed out at work and someone told me that my company offers an employee assistance program (EAP). What is an EAP, how can it help me and is it confidential?
- Sounds of Slumber
- Q: Does sugar really rot your teeth?
- A New Way to Fight Cancer
- Autism Awareness
- Helping Your Hands
- Q. I've heard that diet can have an impact on colorectal cancer risk. Is this true?
- Get Moving!
- MS Month
- Spring Forward and Fall in Love
- Q. I recently read about drugs found in the drinking water. Do I need to be worried?
- Seeing Straight
- Q. Is there an optimal time for outdoor exercise in regards to smog?
- The Face of HIV
- Click for Colon Health
- Q. What does "organic" really mean and why is organic better for my health?
- Lasik List
- Q. What kind of martial arts is best to learn for women’s self-defense?
- Thyroid Truths
- Middle Weight
- Q: I’m worried about atherosclerosis and want to work on lowering my cholesterol. I don’t want to use medication yet – what are some other things I can do to improve my cholesterol?
- Quit It
- Pressure Points
- Q: I’ve heard there might be a vaccine for prostate cancer. Is this true?
- Mouth Malaise
- Q: Sometimes when it is rainy or cold weather, my knees and hips ache. Is this a sign of arthritis?
- Cloned for Consumption
- Fruit Fix
- Q. I recently hit my shin really hard, which produced a large bruise. Should I be worried about blood clots?
- Focus on Fertility
- C is for Cold
- Health Care '08
- Q. I've heard that skiing can be a dangerous sport for your knees. Is this true?
- Drinking Danger
- Q. I'm not very active, but would like to start exercising in 2008. What is the best way to jump start a fitness routine?
- Sole Support
- New Year, New Yoga
- ‘Tis the Season for Stress
- Q. What is the safest way to keep contact lenses clean? I'm worried about the recalls.
- Walking Wonder
- Q: My scalp tends to get itchy when the seasons change, particularly in the fall and winter. What causes this and what can I do about it?
- Fighting Cold and Flu
- Spine Saver
- Lit Light
- Q: I heard someone talking about "bloodless surgery" the other day. What does this mean and can it be applied to any surgical procedure?
- HIV in America
- Q: After all the recent reports about lead in toys, how can I be sure my children are safe from lead poisoning? Should I have them tested regularly?
- Flight Foods
- Workplace Wellness
- Q: I tend to get cold sores on my lips and it seems like I get them more in the winter. What causes them and is there any way to prevent them?
- Turkey Truth
- Food for Thought
- Q. I’ve read recent reports about MRSA showing up in schools. What can I do to help my kids stay safe?
- Brushing Up On Diabetes
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
- The Body Electric
- Q. What can I do to help battle childhood obesity in my community and in my home?
- Highway Hazards
- Winter Itch Aid
- Q. I attended a lot of loud concerts when I was younger and am worried about damage it may have caused to my hearing. Is there a way to test for this type of damage and is there anything I can do to help protect my hearing from now on?
- Cavity Culprits
- Q: I’ve heard people talk about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but I’m not sure what it is. Can you explain?
- Rx Review
- Staph Scare
- Care for the Caregiver
- Cuticle Caution
- Q: Sometimes when my son is running around (particularly in the cooler months), he starts coughing and has trouble catching his breath. Could he have asthma?
- Q. I’m about to finish treatment for breast cancer. What can I expect in terms of emotional and physical side effects?
- On Trial
- Ozone Alert
- I just found out I'm pregnant. Is there anything special I should be doing in regard to dental care?
- Reducing Risk
- Detox Diets Debunked
- Tuning In
- Pack Pain
- Q: Lately, my elderly mother who lives with me has been withdrawn and I’m worried that she is depressed. What are some symptoms of depression to look for and how can I help her?
- Strep Screen
- Keep Your Guard Up
- Q: I’ve read that doing mental exercises, such as Sudoku, can help stave off Alzheimer’s. Is there any truth to this? If so, what are some of the best activities to do?
- Keratoses Care
- Q. I’m a postmenopausal woman and have read about links between some cancers and alcohol intake. I’m a social drinker. Should I be concerned?
- Air Affliction
- Q. My 3-year-old sucks his thumb. Should I be worried about future tooth damage?
- Added Protection
- Back-to-School Blues
- Multiple Mysteries
- Lead Scare
- Q: I need to talk to my preteen about drugs, but don't know much about them myself. Can you offer any good resources to help me prepare?
- Widespread Woe
- Heat Rash Relief
- Q: My 10-year-old son wants to start weight training for football. Is he old enough for this type of activity?
- Ensuring Eye Health
- Overseas Disease Safety
- Q: I had trouble breathing the other day, and my doctor suspects I may have had a panic attack. What causes panic attacks and can I prevent them?
- Pill Perk
- Understanding Autism
- Q: I read in the news about a study that said obesity is contagious. Is this true?
- Carb Conundrum
- Supplement Solutions
- Q: I'm on my feet a lot for my job and have recently been getting backaches. What can I do to help?
- Prostate Protection
- Q: What is the difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen? How do I know what to use when?
- Deterring Diabetes
- The Road Ahead
- Full Coverage
- Q: When I eat fruits with a hard skin, such as apples or plums, my gums and tongue itch. What's going on?
- Gaming for Fitness?
- Fresh-Squeezed Caution
- Q: Almost every time I drink alcohol, I have a headache the next day, regardless of the amount. Could I be allergic?
- Q: Does doing yoga offer any heart health benefits?
- At-Home Analysis
- Breaking the Silence
- Q: Should I limit the amount of caffeine I drink on a daily basis?
- Browsing for Health
- Toothbrush Trade
- Pillow Talk
- Cola Complications
- Q: I recently read that the FDA approved the oral birth control pill Lybrel®, which halts the menstrual cycle if taken without a break. Is it really safe for women to not get their period?
- UV Eye Exposure
- Fertility’s New Frontier
- Q: What is the best way to stay hydrated for outdoor physical activity during the summer?
- Tuberculosis Tidings
- Q: The primary care physician that my insurance has picked for me is a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). What does this mean and how is it different from a medical doctor (M.D.)?
- Your Teen’s Doctor—and You
- Travel Tranquility
- Wireless Worries
- Q: I've just been through chemotherapy for breast cancer and I'm terrified that my cancer will return. How often should I be checked?
- Diarrhea Detox
- Q: My doctor recommended occupational therapy for my arthritis. What will that therapy do for me?
- Train Your Brain
- Skin Smart
- Breathing Fire
- Q. Does cell phone use lead to increased risk of brain cancer?
- Tea Time
- Q: My gums bleed whenever I brush. Does this mean I have gum disease? Why do they bleed?
- Q: Should I be worried about exposing my young children to television, Internet and newspaper images of tragic events, such as the shootings at Virginia Tech?
- Pharmacy Help
- Heading Off Pain
- Appointment Prep
- Q: Can I combine Zyban and a nicotine patch to quit smoking?
- Banish Bug Bites
- Word of Mouth
- Produce Protection
- Q: I've been getting heart palpitations. What tests should I ask for when I visit the doctor?
- Quenching Dry Skin
- Q: I enjoy swimming for my exercise, but water often gets trapped in my ears, even with ear plugs. What do you recommend I do to avoid getting swimmer's ear?
- Weighing the Options
- Medicine Cabinet Check Up
- Q: My 15-year-old son loves playing soccer, but I worry that he may be doing damage when he heads the ball. Do you think it is safe?
- No More Tears
- Q: What are some tips on beating jet lag?
- Fountain Safety
- Colorectal Health
- Desk Drills
- Q: I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. What is the best way to tell my family I have a chronic disease? What are some newer treatments for RA?
- Baby Aspirin
- Q. Is there any way to get rid of my old scars?
- Survival Skills
- Q: Is it true eating cheddar cheese cuts cavities?
- Hormone Harmony
- Lipstick Sun Block
- Smoke and Ear Infections
- Q: Is it possible to overdose on antacids?
- Brush Up
- Q: What is the best way to get enough calcium in my diet?
- Heart-healthy Chocolate
- Walk the Walk
- Q: Are homocysteine levels as important as cholestrol levels for preventing heart attacks?
- Preventing Falls
- Surviving and Thriving in the E.R.
- Q: What can I do about ear pain when flying?
- Benefits of Tap Water
- Something to Chew On
- Q: Is it true that you shouldn’t take acetamenophin (Tylenol) for a hangover?
- Replacing Mayonnaise with Avocado
- The Air We Breathe
- Making Change
- Decorative Contact Lenses
- Q: Are those new "sonic" toothbrushes really better than the old-fashioned kind?
- Q: There are so many different thermometers on the market. Which type is best?
- Travel Vaccinations
- The Skinny on Fat Pills
- Q: My running shoes are a little worn - they kind of lean to the side. Does that mean I need a new pair?
- The Forgotten Resolution: Sleep
- Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
- The Eyes Have It
- Senior Shangri-la
- Eluding Capture
- Toothbrush Tech
- Vaccination Stagnation
- City Rounds (Fall '06)
- Thyroid Thoughts
- Resisting Insulin
- Slow Burn
- Promises to Keep
- Pluripotent Potential
- Feather Luster
- City Rounds (Spring 06)
- Smoke Tracks
- Straighten Up
- Skin Pics
- Fat Chance for Cancer
- Speak, Hear, Swallow, Listen
- Pato's Populations
- Collecting Thoughts
- Sun Spotted
- Positive Recognition
- Rough It
- Premium Protection
- Don't Worry, Be Feliz
- Celling Science
- Original Skin
- On the Blink
- Wrestling the Diabetes Demon
- Boon for Humanity
- Minimal Effort
- Take Me Out of the Ballgame
- All In Vein
- Son of Celebrex
- Preserving Life and Limb
- Main Squeeze
- ELITE Treatment
- Signal Interference
- Guiding Light
- Life in the ER
- Eat Your Heart Out
- Queen of Hearts
- Nowhere to Hide
- Cancer Across Cultures
- The Risk in Relief
- Surviving a Broken Heart
- Lotta Liver
- Heavy Metal
- Sweet Science
- The Age of Cancer
- A Cluster of Cancers
- Rock Solid Science
- Build It and They Will Come
- Back Talk
- Harmony of Action
- Simply Red
- More Candles, Less Cake
- Baby Brands
- Not Fade Away