24 Comments
User's avatar
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

difficult to know when we have so little transparency regarding where the food we eat is grown

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

You're absolutely right Ellen, sometimes it's difficult to know!

Expand full comment
Karma Infinity's avatar

In exploring the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen," we are gently reminded of the sacred dialogue between body and Earth — a living conversation of nourishment, discernment, and trust. Each choice we make carries the subtle resonance of stewardship, not just for ourselves but for the intricate ecosystems that sustain life. This list is more than guidance; it is a compass pointing us back to the rhythms of conscious reciprocity and embodied care.

Amidst the complexity of modern consumption, this knowledge offers a quiet empowerment — a way to walk the marketplace as mindful pilgrims, honoring the sacred relationship between seed, soil, and spirit. What small choices today might ripple outward into greater wholeness tomorrow? ♾️

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Thank you for contributing such a thoughtful reflection on the "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen." It is deeply affirming to witness how these conversations can open space for a more conscious relationship with the food we eat and the Earth that nourishes us.

Exploring the delicate interplay between personal health and environmental stewardship invites a broader understanding of wellness — one that extends beyond the individual to embrace the ecosystems we are part of. Recognizing the impact of our daily choices helps cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and responsibility, encouraging a way of living that honors both the body and the planet with greater care and intention.

Expand full comment
GRP's avatar

EWF is a really helpful organisation for staying on top of pesticide use, but it’s not so accurate for the UK. However the alternative here is PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network UK) who also produce a Dirty Dozen list - https://www.pan-uk.org/dirty-dozen/

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Promise's avatar

Yay! Let's do this 💛 Cool to see Dr. Bronce Rice there too 😊 🕊

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Looking forward to it. Of course, great people in this community, happy you two have met already!

Expand full comment
Vidushi Bhandari's avatar

Very useful and insightful information. Thank you for sharing 🙏

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

You’re very welcome Vidushi, glad you liked it!

Expand full comment
Ociel Gonzalez's avatar

The amount of poison in our food is insane.

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Absolutely agree Ociel. Food, water… it can be difficult when we’re trying to follow a healthy and sustainable journey. For that reason, information is key!

Expand full comment
Ociel Gonzalez's avatar

Keep the great work Sara!

Expand full comment
Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT's avatar

i'm surprised there's a couple not on here that are worse because I live around farmers and I know what's been heavily sprayed actually squash and zucchini or two of the heaviest sprayed vegetables besides corn, which has been genetically modified as well. And then the other one I'm surprised not to see on the list is blackberries.

Other than that great list !

Thanks, Sara

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Thank you, Kathleen, for your contribution. It’s true that certain crops, like squash and zucchini, can be heavily sprayed depending on farming practices. Factors like how a crop absorbs pesticides, how it's washed or processed post-harvest, and regional variations in farming practices can all influence the final rankings. Your insights add valuable context to the ongoing conversation about mindful eating and agricultural transparency.

Expand full comment
Ral Joseph's avatar

One would never know until you know and because of you Sarah now I know. How do I begin to thank you for that...

I've been seeing you around and following your work and see the I decided to come by your page and I'm completely blown away by how amazing you are how much does missed your live sessions, but I'm never going to miss any life session of yours.

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful words, Ral. Your message is deeply moving and a true reminder of why sharing this work matters. The first live sessions will begin in May, and it will be a joy to have you there. Your presence and support are truly appreciated and inspire a deeper commitment to continue creating spaces for learning, growth, and connection. Wishing you my best, Sara.

Expand full comment
Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

@Sara Redondo, MD - I love how you bring clarity and practicality to conversations about health. It makes such a difference when people have science-backed, actionable guidance they can trust.

Your breakdown of the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen is a valuable tool for helping us make better informed choices at the grocery store. Timely as I've become more curious recently about how we handle and cook food in relation to pesticide exposure. Sometimes I'm not always able to buy fully organic produce and found soaking my produce in a baking soda solution and then rinsing well helps.

I'm honored to be part of your Mental Health Awareness Month series. I had the pleasure of connecting with Promise — our conversation about Buddhism and psychoanalysis was warm, engaging and opened my eyes to aspects of Buddhist thought I hadn’t fully appreciated. I've also exchanged DMs with Brian Smith and deeply admire the heart-centered work he’s doing in the grief space — such essential support for ongoing mental health. Although I haven’t yet met Dina Bell-Laroche I am looking forward to getting acquainted with her and her compassionate approach to healing.

Thank you for creating such a welcoming space for important health conversations to be had. I'm very much looking forward to our conversation on May 28th!

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

Thank you so much for your thoughtful words and for sharing your experience Bronce. I’m so glad you found the post helpful. I completely understand, buying fully organic produce isn’t always an option, and in those cases, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables is a good alternative.

It’s truly wonderful to hear about your conversations with Promise and Brian, their work and insights are deeply inspiring. And I’m excited for you to connect with Dina as well, her compassionate perspective on healing adds so much richness to these discussions.

I’m honored to have you be part of the Mental Health Awareness Month series and am very much looking forward to our conversation on May 28th!

Expand full comment
Grace Barker's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Sara! It’s always helpful to know this list so you can shop smarter at the grocery store and stay on budget.

Expand full comment
Sara Redondo, MD's avatar

You're very welcome Grace, glad it helped!

Expand full comment
JohannaK's avatar

Can you speak on mycotoxins often found in organic produce? I feel that there is no way around putting some kind garbage in the body whether chemical or naturally harmful 😣

Expand full comment
Running On Butter's avatar

love

Expand full comment
Otis Hagen Chevalier's avatar

I would like to question the “clean” mushroom. Mushroom are capable of absorbing toxins, such as PFAS, known as forever chemicals. That must mean eating some mushrooms would have a massive chemical intake for us.

Expand full comment