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Nothing should stop you from eating more fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. They are nutritional powerhouses that make your insides (immune, gastrointestinal and neurological systems) and outsides (skin and hair) well-balanced and healthy, so they can protect you from disease and keep you looking good.

But when the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen comes out every year, listing the most pesticide-contaminated produce, I worry it will give the 80% to 90% of you who eat fewer than the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables an excuse to continue consuming nutrition-stripped, highly processed foods.

On top of that, lost in all the negative reporting about tainted produce is the EWG's list of the "Clean Fifteen." It names the nonorganic produce with the least amount of pesticide residue -- and this year, 60% of them had no detectable levels at all!

Pineapple, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelon, mangoes, bananas, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi are on the clean team.

So, if organic produce seems too expensive, there are some great choices. And as for those foods on the Dirty Dozen list ... all meet the standards set by the government for safe consumption. But the EWG says you may want to opt for organic versions of the most pesticide-laced produce: spinach, kale, collards, berries and grapes.

For more information on how to enjoy wonderful tasting, fresh foods that improve your health and increase your longevity, check out the nutrition and cooking information at 4YOUngevity.com and my book "What to Eat When."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.