Common Vegetables Secretly Soaking Up the Most Pesticides

11. Lettuce: Salad Staple with Surprises

Lettuce, a foundation of many salads, often harbors pesticide residues due to its large surface area and susceptibility to pests like aphids and caterpillars. Chemicals such as imidacloprid and permethrin, both linked to environmental and health concerns, have been detected on lettuce. While its low-calorie content and high vitamin K levels make it a dietary favorite, consumers should be cautious. Washing lettuce leaves thoroughly and opting for organic varieties can help reduce pesticide levels, ensuring that salads remain a healthy choice.