The clean 15

Think organic produce is too expensive? Buy these fruits and veggies with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination instead

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asparagus

Asparagus

Spring’s favourite vegetable, asparagus, is rich in good-for-you vitamins, and a great choice if you can’t afford to buy organic.

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Avocado

Avocados

Avocados are a super-healthy way to add valuable nutrients and fibre (yes, and healthy fat!) to your diet.

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Cabbage

Cabbage

Incorporating this thick, sturdy-leafed cruciferous vegetable into your diet promises plenty of vitamins C and K. It also stores well, and is a bargain in the winter when more tender greens are harder to come by.

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cantaloupe

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is high in potassium and vitamins A, C and B6. It’s also high in water content, making it filling.

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eggplant

Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fibre, and a good source of vitamin K.

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kiwifruit.jpg

Kiwi

One medium kiwi supplies more than a full day’s worth of vitamin C, packing even more than an orange, cup for cup.

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Vitamin C grapefruit

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are loaded with immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants.

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crimini mushrooms

Mushrooms

Many varieties of mushrooms contain good-for-your-bladder selenium and, like us, they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of iron. Plus, they’re low in calories.

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onions

Onions

Onions have incredible healing powers – including helping prevent blood clots, fighting cancer and boosting folate.

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papaya

Papayas

Papayas are non-acidic (so they’re good for soothing your stomach) but they are packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene (more than even orange and grapefruit), two antioxidants that may lower your risk of uterine cancer, according to a 2009 study by The Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

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pineapple

Pineapples

The sweet and tart tropical fruit contain bromelain, an enzyme that improves digestion as well as helps to fight blood clots from forming. Pineapples can also help prevent swelling, a common ailment during the summer months.

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corn

Sweet corn

Corn is full of health-boosting carotenoids, which can help protect you from age-related macular degeneration, as well as type 2 diabetes.

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shelled peas

Sweet peas

Peas are proof that powerful nutrients do come in small packages. They are packed with vitamin C, help fight depression and protect your heart.

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sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer a significant amount of vitamin A, or beta-carotene, which is responsible for their yellow-orange colour.

Related:
Produce with the highest pesticide levels
5 foods worth buying organic
5 ways to go organic on a budget

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