It’s possible to find pesticide residue on a wide variety of conventionally grown produce items. Spinach, kale, grapes, peaches, and non-organic strawberries all have traces of pesticide, according to a new study. These fruits and vegetables, in addition to others, have made the “Dirty Dozen” list from the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. 

The EWG is a health advocacy organization that annually produces this report, and has done so for more than two decades. It analyzes government food safety data, comparing samples of non-organic (conventionally grown) produce items. This year, 96% of the samples of the 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables contained detectable levels of 203 different types of pesticides. Each sample of all of these “Dirty Dozen” produce items, except cherries, contained more than 50 different pesticides. 

2025 “Dirty Dozen” List

The 2025 guide assessed fruits and vegetables based on four criteria: 

• Average number of different pesticides on a single sample
• Percentage of samples with at least one pesticide
• Average total concentration of pesticides found on a single sample
• Overall toxicity of pesticides on a crop

This year, black berries and potatoes joined the list, while tomatoes and winter squash fell off the list from last year. The EWG’s 2025 “Dirty Dozen” produces items (ranked from highest to lowest amount of pesticides) is as follows:

• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Kale, collards, and mustard greens
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Potatoes

On the basis of pesticide concentration and toxicity, these produce items topped the list:

• Green beans
• Spinach
• Bell and hot peppers
• Kale, collard, and mustard greens

2025 “Clean Fifteen” List

In addition to the “Dirty Dozen” list, the EWG puts together a list of nonorganic produce items that have little or no pesticides detected in lab tests. The “Clean Fifteen” foods are ranked from highest to lowest:

• Pineapple
• Sweet corn
• Avocados
• Papaya
• Onions
• Frozen sweet peas
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Watermelon
• Cauliflower
• Bananas
• Mangos
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Kiwi

Sweet potatoes dropped off the list this year, while cauliflower and bananas are new to the list. 

Continue To Eat Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, and compounds that benefit your overall health. The EWG encourages people to focus on enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, even if they are non-organic. Decades of nutrition studies that verify the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Consuming a variety of produce items can improve physical and mental health, prevent certain diseases, and increase longevity. 

Most of the studies confirming these proven benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables did not specifically focus on organic or non-organic growing methods. The focus was purely on conventionally grown produce and the consumption of it. If you want to minimize the risk of pesticide residue on your produce, though, the National Pesticide Information Center encourages the following:

• Thoroughly wash all produce, even organic produce, including the ones you are going to peel.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and potatoes. There are fruit and vegetable brushes made for cleaning these produce items.
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize the risk of increased exposure to a single pesticide. 
• Wash produce items under running water instead of soaking or dunking them.
• Dry produce items with a clean cloth or paper towels.
• Remove and discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when you can.

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Summer is fast approaching, which means exciting produce items are on the way to your local grocery stores. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can take advantage of many of summer’s fruits and vegetables because they contain beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols that work to fight inflammation. These fruits and vegetables contain different phytonutrients, which work to reduce oxidative stress, a process that can lead to cell damage. 

Don’t Worry About The Sugar Too Much

Is it true that certain fruits contain natural sugars? Yes, absolutely, but you do not have to avoid them entirely. Sugar does increase inflammation, but a lot of the research that indicates that cites sugar-sweetened beverages as the problem sources. These drinks provide empty calories, unlike fruits that contain natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidant compounds that may reduce the risk of inflammation. Continue reading to learn which summer fruits you should add to your RA-friendly diet. 

Stone Fruit

Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots are stone fruit that are freshest during the summer months. Studies show that the polyphenols in peaches work to reduce inflammation. Apricots are rich in fiber, which works to improve gut health, and lots of vitamins A & C which work to encourage healthier skin and immune function. Plums get their naturally dark hue from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that have been proven to combat inflammation. You can enjoy stone fruits as a delightful snack, or incorporate them into smoothies, salads, and more. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are not typically thought of as a summer-specific fruit because you can get them year-round. They are freshest (and most affordable) in the summer! Blueberries contain several polyphenols, including anthocyanins and quercetin, both of which exhibit antioxidant effects and phenolic acids that reduce inflammation. Mix blueberries into yogurt, smoothies, salads, and desserts. 

Watermelon

One of summer’s best treats and most popular fruits is the mighty watermelon. Not only does watermelon aid your hydration efforts, but it also contains lycopene, citrulline, polyphenols, and vitamins A and C, all of which exhibit antioxidant properties. Some of these nutrients even work to enhance joint health. Additional research suggests that watermelons contain nutrients that may fight back against other conditions, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, obesity, and heart disease. Enjoy watermelon fresh, cubed up in a fruit salad, or blended into a refreshing sorbet.

Cantaloupe

Another popular summer melon, cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Belonging to the cucurbit family, cantaloupe exhibits antioxidant effects, which researchers attribute to the bioactive components, including cucurbitacin. Slice up cantaloupe and enjoy it fresh, chop it up to make a melon salsa, add it to smoothies, or make your own popsicles. 

Pineapple

Pineapples are naturally rich in vitamin C, which encourages healthier skin and immune function. More importantly, they contain a lot of bromelain, a protease enzyme that has the potential to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and aid digestion. Studies show that bromelain helps break down protein, giving your digestive system a helping hand. Enjoy pineapple raw, add it to sorbets, salsa recipes, or fruit salads. You can even cut the pineapple into long strips and grill it with a little olive oil and honey. 

Grapes

The Arthritis foundation recommends people with RA to enjoy both white and darker-colored grapes, as they are great sources of antioxidants and polyphenols. Red and black grapes also contain resveratrol, a natural polyphenol that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and may improve cardiovascular health. Enjoy grapes out of hand or pop them in the freezer and enjoy them as refreshing treats on hot summer days. 

Cherries

To round out the list of RA-friendly foods, we have a great summer treat: cherries. Exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cherries work to decrease both inflammation and oxidative stress. They may also help reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. Until recently, it was thought that tart cherries were the only varieties to produce these effects, but newer research indicates that sweet cherries are also effective. Enjoy cherries as a healthy snack or include them in your yogurt, chia pudding, juices, smoothies, and more.

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Autumn seems to arrive before summer is over. It’s almost as if people cannot wait to decorate with fall foliage and cinnamon-scented pine cones. Pumpkin-spiced everything appears and people are in full fall mode, dressing in beanies and scarves even if the weather is perfect for beach days. 

As most people learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for overall health and optimizing immune function is of the utmost importance. With schools back in session, it’s more important than ever to maintain immune health. When the immune system operates at peak efficiency, it’s able to combat germs, viruses, or bacteria before they actually wreak havoc on the body. This can ultimately reduce the duration of illness or even fend off harsh symptoms.

For many people, it’s second nature to reach for vitamin C tablets, electrolyte powders, or other synthetics to enhance immune function. The average person doesn’t reach for fruits, vegetables, and herbs to keep the immune system in tip-top shape. Fall offers many beneficial produce items that improve immunity, and you can learn about them below. 

Pomegranates

One of fall’s best and most flavorful produce items, the pomegranate exhibits numerous health benefits. The Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates to treat infections, and incorporated them into other healing practices. According to several studies, the antioxidants in pomegranates help the body fight back against numerous viruses. Pomegranates are also rich sources of vitamin C, which boosts antibody production in immunity development.

Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato, or yam, is a classic fall favorite that is a rich source of vitamins A & C. Sweet potatoes happen to be one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is a plant-based compound that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential component of a healthy immune system. It helps to maintain mucous membranes in the gut, where the body is exposed to potential disease-causing pathogens. By promoting optimal gut health, vitamin A contributes to a healthier immune system.

Garlic

It’s hard to think of garlic as a seasonal produce item because it’s available throughout the year. Garlic happens to be one of the most common ingredients in global cuisine. Several studies found that raw garlic may significantly reduce blood pressure. Raw garlic also exhibits antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that may help combat viruses and bacteria. Processing destroys all of garlic’s health benefits, so using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic won’t benefit the body.

Grapes

Fresh grapes contain over 1,600 natural plant compounds, including a mixture of polyphenols and antioxidants. Both of these groups have proven their ability to protect cells from harmful pathogens. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol, which is a polyphenol that positively influences the immune system. One cup of raw grapes also satisfies 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and supplies the body with 2.5 ounces of water. 

Pumpkins

Just like sweet potatoes, pumpkins are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Several studies found that vitamin A strengthens the immune system to help combat infections. Researchers found that people who have low levels of vitamin A or vitamin A deficiency tend to have weaker immune systems. Additionally, pumpkins contain a high amount of vitamin C, which works to increase white blood cell production. More white blood cells encourage immune cells to work more efficiently, healing wounds faster. 

Apples

There are so many apple varieties that arrive during fall. From Honeycrisp and Pink Lady to Jonagold and Granny Smith varieties, there’s no shortage of apples during fall. According to a 2015 stud y, people who consumed one apple daily used fewer prescription medications. Regularly consumption of apples supplies the body with lots of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation that’s common during infections. Additionally, apples contain khellin, which is a flavonoid that helps to open up airways and reduce respiratory symptoms, especially in asthma patients. 

There are other beneficial produce items to explore during fall, especially right before winter arrives. Keep your eyes out for the arrival of citrus fruits, which offer lots of vitamin C. Tangerines, blood oranges, lemons, key limes, grapefruit, and many other orange varieties are excellent immune-boosting fruits. 

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From non-organic strawberries to green beans and spinach, certain fruits and vegetables make the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list each year. Government lab tests found pesticide residue in nearly all non-organic grapes, peaches, strawberries, green beans, and leafy greens like kale. 

This Environmental Working Group (EWG) makes an annual “Dirty Dozen” list for grocery shoppers. This list is intended to inform shoppers about the top non-organic fruits and vegetables with detectable levels of pesticides. This year, mustard greens, collard greens, and kale topped the list with the most pesticide residue. Reports detected 103 individual chemicals, while hot peppers were next with 101 chemicals. 

Health experts regularly encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, organic or not. If consumers are concerned about pesticide exposure, they can use the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists  to make better choices for them and their families. Continue reading to learn more about these lists. 

Which Fruits And Vegetables Are On The “Dirty Dozen” List For 2024?

According to the EWG, the following produce items had the highest levels of pesticides by government testing analysis. Keep in mind that the following fruits and vegetables are not listed in any particular order of pesticide residue. 

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Cherries
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Bell and hot peppers
• Green beans
• Pears

What Pesticides Were Found In The “Dirty Dozen”?

The EWG report noted that four of the five most frequently detected chemicals were fungicides. Two of these fungicides, pyrimethanil and fludioxonil, had the highest concentrations of any pesticides found in the dozen produce items. According to reports, these fungicides are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormone systems responsible for growth and reproduction. 

The reason that fungicides are more commonly detected in non-organic produce items is because they are applied to plants during the growing process. This is to help prevent or completely remove fungus, and they are applied post-harvest to keep produce mold-free during transportation. Before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests for pesticides, the items are peeled, scrubbed, or washed. Despite the cleaning or peeling, testing still detected 254 different pesticides on fruits and vegetables, including the 209 different pesticides on the “Dirty Dozen” list. 

What About The “Clean 15” List For 2024?

The EWG also makes an annual list of non-organic produce that has the least amount of pesticides detected in lab tests. The great news about the foods on this year’s “Clean 15” list is that 65% of the food samples did not test positive for pesticide residue. Those 15 fruits and vegetables are listed below in no particular order:

• Papaya
• Avocados
• Kiwi
• Pineapple
• Asparagus
• Watermelon
• Sweet corn
• Mushrooms
• Sweet potatoes
• Frozen peas
• Onions
• Honeydew melon
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Mangoes

You Should Still Eat Fruits And Vegetables

You can limit your exposure to pesticides, even if you cannot buy organic produce. Many people choose non-organic produce over organic produce because it is less expensive. If you choose to buy non-organic produce then you can feel confident in buying the items on the “Clean 15” list. Reserve your budget to buy organic versions of the produce items on the “Dirty Dozen” list. Additionally, health experts encourage people to thoroughly wash produce items with water and a baking soda or vinegar solution to help remove pesticide residue. Peeling the produce can also decrease the exposure to these chemicals. 

Clinical dietitians say that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables outweighs the risks of pesticide exposure from certain non-organic produce items. All fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes contain beneficial nutrients. Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet will only benefit you in the long-run. The “Dirty Dozen” list is not intended to scare people away from eating healthy foods, despite their non-organic nature. The point is to simply inform shoppers so they can make decisions appropriately for themselves and their health. 

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Sometimes, you come across a salad recipe that is both incredibly flavorful and simple to make. Such is the case for this curried carrot salad, which features shredded crunchy carrots and a slightly bitter tahini curry dressing. To balance out the spice and bitterness, we added nutty raw pumpkin seeds and sweet raisins. Should you be a true raisin hater, you can omit the raisins and consider adding sliced grapes. Forego the grapes and raisins altogether if you enjoy a pronounced curry flavor!

The great thing about this salad is that it is a true salad for one. This salad will yield enough for you, and you alone. Make it as a filling lunch or as a side dish for your main course. Even if you dress the entire salad and don’t finish it, carrots are sturdy enough that the salad will still be good to enjoy the following day. It is crunchy, cool, creamy, a little spicy, and incredibly fragrant. The curry brings a unique element to the dressing that you don’t typically find in most dressings or sauces. There’s a warmth to the spice mixture, and yet it is also zesty.

Just so that we’re clear, there is a possibility that you might hate it or love it. The main takeaway is that you were brave enough to try it! Don’t ever stop trying new and exciting or exotic foods because you never know what your palate will enjoy. There are many familiar ingredients in this salad, so you get to mix the old with the new, especially if you aren’t familiar with curry spice. The ginger and lemon juice bring a slightly spice flare as well, but that sweet maple syrup balances everything out. We hope you love experimenting with these new flavors!

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The Waldorf salad has made a name for itself in the culinary world. Originally, it was a simple salad consisting of apples, celery, and mayo. Introduced on March 14, 1893, the Waldorf salad was served to guests at a charity ball honoring St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. Coincidentally, the Waldorf hotel opened the previous day, and the charity ball was the very first event to take place in the hotel.

Edouard Beauchamp, the Waldorf’s original executive chef, came up with the salad (and the rest of the menu) with Oscar Tschirky, the maitre d’hotel. Just three years later, Tschirky published a cookbook with the recipe for the historic salad. The simplicity of the salad may be the reason for its rise to fame. However, shortly after the salad’s introduction to the world, people began to elaborate on the original three ingredients. Over time, people added walnuts, oranges, marshmallows, and a few other items on occasion.

This salad does not contain mayonnaise, nor does it contain walnuts. It does, however, contain raw pecans, grapes, apples, dried cranberries, celery, and mixed greens. We used Granny Smith apples, but you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples if you prefer those varieties. Similarly, you can swap out the red grapes for green grapes if you prefer the flavor profile.

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About 75% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains some residues of potentially harmful pesticides. The 2023 list of Dirty Dozen foods have the highest traces of pesticides, when compared to other produce items. Even though blueberries provide anti-inflammatory properties and green beans provide lots of fiber, they still joined the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) Dirty Dozen list.

What Is The Dirty Dozen List?

Given what is known about pesticides, any exposure is problematic. New findings are particularly concerning for young children, as they are vulnerable to the negative effects of pesticide exposure. The Shopper’s Guide represents the EWG’s analysis of the latest fruit and vegetable testing data from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The data includes 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables. 

In 2022, strawberries and spinach held the top two spots on the Dirty Dozen list, followed by three greens, including kale, collards, and mustard. Peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, grapes, bell and hot peppers, and cherries were next. Blueberries and green beans rounded out the list in the 11th and 12th spots. Scientists noted a total of 210 pesticides in those 12 foods, with the greens containing the highest number of different pesticides. 

What Tests Determine The Dirty Dozen?

The USDA peels or scrubs and washes produce samples prior to testing, whereas the FDA only removes dirt before taking samples. Even after these steps, the tests revealed traces of 251 different pesticides. Pesticides are not intended for human consumption because they are intended to harm living organisms. They are inherently toxic to humans and can increase the risk of hormone dysfunction, cancer, and may harm the brain and nervous system. 

It is public knowledge that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is vital to a healthy diet and optimal health. If you are concerned about your exposure to pesticides via diet, pay close attention to the Dirty Dozen list that the EWG releases every year. For 2023, the Dirty Dozen list is as follows:

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale, Collard Greens, & Mustard Greens
• Peaches
• Pears
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Grapes
• Bell & Hot Peppers
• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Green Beans

What Is The Clean 15 List?

Just as there is a dirty list, so too is there a clean list. Concerned consumers can choose conventionally grown fruits and vegetables from the EWG’s Clean 15 list. This list details crops that had the lowest traces of pesticides. In fact, about 65% of the foods on the list had no detectable levels of pesticides after testing. 

The reigning champion of the 2023 Clean 15 list was the mighty avocado. Sweet corn took second place, with pineapple, onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and carrots making up the rest of the list. Foods without traces of pesticides are especially important during pregnancy and childhood. Developing children require a combination of nutrients that have not been tainted by pesticides or other contaminants.

The Academy of American Pediatrics noted that exposure to pesticides in early childhood may increase the risk of learning problems, attention, and cancer. Exposure using pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects or low birth rate. 

Switch To Organic Sources

You don’t want to give up on many fruits and vegetables just because they have higher levels of pesticides. Many of the fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list exhibit impressive health properties that are essential to a balanced diet. Instead of avoiding them, consider buying organic versions of those produce items. Organic does not insinuate that they have more nutrients; rather, it means that they have little to no pesticide residue. 

Studies have shown that people who switch to an organic diet have reduced levels of pesticides in their urine. If organic is not available or it is too expensive, consider peeling or washing the produce items thoroughly. Don’t use detergents or other advertised fruit and vegetable rinses. Rinsing with water will help reduce pesticide levels. Always rinse before peeling the fruit or vegetable and use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce items like apples or melons. Finally, dry the produce with a clean paper towel to reduce bacteria that may still be present after rinsing.

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Juicing isn’t just meant for January, the month in which everyone decides they are going to lose weight and eat healthier foods. Although a juice cleanse is synonymous with the New Year, juicing isn’t solely reserved for resolutions. Sipping on a green juice isn’t just a trendy photoshoot for your Instagram, nor is a beet juice concoction reserved for hangovers. Juicing is more than a wellness trend; rather, it is always available and a great way to introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet. 

What Is Juicing?

The process of juicing is essentially the extraction of liquids from fresh fruits and vegetables. It strips away the solid matter, including seeds, pulp, and peels, but you are left with a liquid concentration of essential micronutrients. Although juice contains minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients, the fiber is lost during the juicing process. That’s why juicing for extended periods of time is not advised. You can alternate between juicing and eating whole foods, and you can always enjoy smoothies, which have all the fiber you need. 

When you drink a glass of freshly made juice, you absorb a high concentration of nutrients per ounce. Not only does this help combat inflammatory foods in the Standard American Diet, but it also gives the digestive system a break from solid food. When you take a break from solid food, you may help decrease body weight and increase the amount of healthy gut bacteria. 

Juice Cleanses Aren’t For Everyone

If you participate in a juice cleanse, you should not do it longer than three days. Ideally, you supplement a normal, balanced diet with freshly made juices. This helps to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, helping you get the recommended amount of servings per day. Everyday wellness is more important than a fad diet, such as juicing. Focus on freshness and balance for a realistic approach to wellness. Juicing isn’t an all or nothing way of life! Now, read on for six incredible juice recipes that’ll take your health to the next level. 

Juice For Longevity

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1/2 cup red grapes
• 1 (4-ounce) lemon, quartered and unpeeled
• 1 (10-ounce) orange, skin removed

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

Juice For Exercise Stamina

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of ginger root
• 1 large orange, peeled
• 4 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 large beet, peeled and roughly chopped

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

Juice For An Afternoon Recharge

Ingredients:

• 9 ounces carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
• 6 ounces beets, peeled, and roughly chopped
• 5 ounces cucumbers, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger root

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

Juice For Glowing Skin

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cucumber, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Granny Smith apple, cored and seeded
• 1 cup celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 heart Romaine lettuce
• 1/3 cup pineapple, cubed

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

Juice For Curbing Hunger

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kale, rinsed
• 2 cups spinach, rinsed
• 2 cups green grapes
• 1 large cucumber, roughly chopped

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

Juice To Boost Hydration

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach, rinsed
• 1 large cucumber, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1/8 cup mint leaves

Instructions:

• Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and drink immediately. Enjoy!

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Have you noticed that healthier beauty products are more popular than ever before? The beauty industry, while it still contains a great many products with harmful ingredients, is starting to use a lot more natural ingredients. This is because people have adopted healthier lifestyles and are more selective with their skin and hair care choices. 

What Are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are plant-based oils derived from nuts, seeds, or kernels. They have little to no scent and they are generally used to dilute essential oils. The reason that you have to dilute essential oils in carrier oils is to make them safe for topical application. Applying essential oils directly to the skin can result in negative reactions like rash or inflammation. Carrier oils, as their name suggests, carry essential oils and other ingredients into the skin. That said, you can use them on their own, and some of them have beneficial properties for your skin and hair. 

Whether you’re looking to nourish dry hair or boost hair growth, the following carrier oils can help you achieve those goals. You may already have some of these oils in your kitchen! Just keep in mind that it’s always best to use the highest quality oils when applying them to your hair, scalp, or body.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a thin carrier oil that’s slippery and easily absorbed by your hair or skin. It contains lots of omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E that help hydrate your hair by penetrating the cortex, which is the central main bulk of the hair. Because it is slick, it can cover the scalp in a thin blanket of sustenance, feeding your scalp to encourage cell production in hair follicles. Grapeseed oil is excellent if you suffer from regular flare ups of eczema or psoriasis on the scalp. Combine this oil with tea tree oil to help enhance the anti-inflammatory properties. 

Argan Oil

It’s almost impossible to peruse the hair care aisle at a store without seeing argan oil on the ingredient lists for at least 40 different products. Argan oil exhibits powerful moisturizing properties because of the rich fatty acid content. The hair easily absorbs argan oil, which nourishes the cortex and fills in dry cracks with moisture. In fact, using a light layer of argan oil before heat styling can prevent cuticle damage that can result in dry or brittle hair. Argan oil can also strengthen the skin barrier and promote cell turnover, increasing the scalp’s ability to produce healthier hair cells. 

Jojoba Oil

If you have a dry scalp, you may not be producing enough sebum. The best oil that mimics sebum is jojoba oil, but don’t apply a crazy amount or else your hair will be greasy. On a chemical level, jojoba oil is closer to wax than oil. This unique composition makes it one of the best carrier oils for the hair and scalp. Rich in vitamins B & E, zinc, copper, and healthy fats, jojoba oil nourishes your hair and promotes hydration. Jojoba oil acts similarly to conditioner, feeding your hair with beneficial nutrients and hydration, which may promote hair growth. 

Safflower Oil

Working to deeply penetrate the scalp, safflower oil delivers beneficial nutrients into the hair follicle, encouraging thickness and growth. Cold-pressed for safflower seeds, safflower oil is a lightweight, odorless oil with a rich nutritional profile. Safflower oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores, and that’s why it is a common ingredient in beauty products. The linoleic content in safflower oil may help reduce dry or flaky skin, while the vitamin E works to prevent damage to delicate hair and scalps. 

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is a solid at room temperature, so you have to warm it up before you use it. Cultivated from the tamanu tree, native to East Africa, tamanu oil is a carrier oil that supports the body’s natural immune responses to skin conditions. It is naturally rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help encourage scar tissue formation. The skin can easily absorb tamanu oil, which is great news for your scalp. In fact, if you are trying to regrow hair and need an extra boost, try adding tamanu oil to your hair care routine. 

Sweet Almond Oil

An excellent carrier oil for the hair and scalp, sweet almond oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, all of which benefit hair growth. It also contains proteins and minerals like potassium, zinc, and magnesium. Magnesium actually promotes protein synthesis and regulates hair growth phases. Because it is lightweight and offers a soothing scent, sweet almond oil is an excellent choice for relaxing head massages. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil works to nourish and moisturize the skin, helping to encourage hair growth. If you warm up castor oil  and leave it on the scalp post application, it can penetrate different layers of the skin and hair. Warm castor oil can seep into the hair’s cortex and swell it with triglycerides to form a seal around the cuticle. That traps in nourishment and helps make your hair softer and shinier. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid, which feeds dormant hair follicles by enhancing blood flow and promoting hair cell production.

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The autumn harvest brings an array of root vegetables for comforting, hardy recipes that warm the soul. You’ll also see numerous fruits that you don’t typically see any other time of year. We don’t know about you, but fruit that is in season for a limited time is very exciting. Not only do these fruits exhibit impressive nutritional profiles, but they also taste great and are quite versatile. 

A 2020 study found that vegetarians who ate a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of stroke than non-vegetarians who ate meat. An additional study from 2021 also gives people a reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. In this study, participants who ate the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day experienced a lower risk of death than those who ate fewer servings. Additionally health experts encourage people to eat seasonal produce items because they are at peak freshness and nutritional value. Choosing seasonal produce will also help reduce your carbon footprint, as fresh and local items don’t need to be transported long distances. We are talking about farm to table!

For more inspiration and information about seasonal produce items, visit your local farmer’s market and talk with the farmers. They are very knowledgeable about the flavor profiles and how to use/cook with the various produce items. To buy you some time until that happens, we’ve outlined the top seven fall fruits below. 

Kumquats

Don’t know what kumquats are? They are about the size of grapes, but they are citrus fruits and happen to be one of the best sources of fiber and vitamin C. Although they are technically winter fruits, they often show up in mid to late fall. In some areas, such as the Southern United States, they are available year round because of the warmer climates. Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that you can eat with the peel, which contains even more antioxidants than the fruit’s flesh. 

Quinces

A lesser known fall fruit, the quince is probably not in your regular fruit rotation. It resembles a lumpy, slightly larger pear, exhibiting a bright green skin. Quince is naturally rich in vitamin C, potassium, copper, fiber, and antioxidants, including rutin and caffeoylquinic acid. Most people boil quince to enjoy it, as that is the best way to enjoy the best flavor. Quarter the fruit, remove the core and seeds, and boil for about 40 minutes. You can add the flesh to juices, tarts, sweet treats, and purees. 

Pears

We are going from the quince, a fruit that somewhat resembles a pear, to the actual pear fruit. From Anjous and Bartletts to Forelle and Seckels varieties, pears are a hydrophilic food, meaning they fill you up quickly and love water. Pears contain the complex carbohydrate known as pectin, which acts as a detox agent, immune system stimulant, and gastrointestinal tract regulator. According to several studies, eating pears on a regular basis may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and regulate the body’s absorption of sugar. 

Cranberries

You cannot have an article that details the best fall fruits and leave cranberries off the list. Fresh cranberries are only available for a limited time, typically from mid to late fall. Harvested in places like the Northeast United States, cranberries are valuable sources of plant compounds like benzoic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin, vitamin C, and epicatechins. Cranberries go great in sauces, pies, scones, muffins, salads, smoothies, and desserts. A 2022 study found that participants who took a cranberry supplement (the equivalent of one cup of cranberries) daily for 12 weeks improved memory and lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol. 

Apples

Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, and one of the best fall outings is to go apple picking at an orchard. Available in many varieties, apples are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which are beneficial plant compounds that exist in plant-based foods. Polyphenols may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to several research studies. Flavonoids, which are also present in apples, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and general cognitive decline. 

Grapes

Although grapes are available year round, they boast their best flavor during fall. Enjoy varieties like champagne, concords, holiday seedless, and many others. Grapes don’t seem to get a lot of attention when it comes to nutrition, but they are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants like resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory compound that keeps your skin looking young. Grapes also contain anthocyanin, another antioxidant that has ties to longevity. 

Passion Fruit

Passion fruits are available in the early- or mid-fall months, and they grow in climates that are always warm. The actual fruit is quite gelatinous, with black seeds that are also edible. The taste is a bit sour, but riper passion fruits tend to be on the sweeter and highly fragrant side. You can incorporate passion fruit into acai bowls, smoothies, and juices. They are naturally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-cryptoxanthin, carotenoids, and other polyphenols.

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