The chemicals within these pesticides are reported to disrupt your immune
system, nervous system, reproductive system and hormonal system.
While washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce some pesticides, it does not
eliminate them. Peeling also helps remove some of the pesticides, but valuable
nutrients often go down the drain with the peel.
Because the toxic effects of pesticides are worrisome, not well understood, or
in some cases completely unstudied, shoppers are wise to minimize exposure to
pesticides whenever possible.
Consumers who switch to organic versions of these foods could cut their
pesticide exposure by almost 90 percent, according to EWG. It analyzed nearly
43,000 tests conducted by the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug
Administration between 2000 and 2004.
Kathy's Cafe: Rules for Healthy Eating suggests: "Commercially grown fruits and
vegetables are filled with herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. It is
estimated that the average American consumes one pound of these toxic chemicals
each year. Research has linked these toxins with breast and prostrate cancer, as
well as auto-immunity and numerous other diseases. Studies have shown the
mineral content of organic fruits & vegetables to be twice as high as those in
commercially grown."' This is compelling information and these risks can be
easily and effectively eliminated.
If your family replaced just these 12 fruits and vegetables, on a consistent
basis, you would be dramatically decreasing your toxic intake and significantly
increasing your health and well being.
Produce with the least amount of pesticides - and ones you probably don't need
to pay organic prices for - include onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn,
pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, frozen sweet peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage,
broccoli and papaya, according to the EWG study.
So whether you choose to go organic, or switch to less contaminated produce, you
can start eliminating harmful and unhealthy pesticides for your family today for
a healthier and happier future.