It’s common knowledge that a healthy diet requires a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, but these seemingly healthy choices may instead be full of pesticides! The United States uses 1.2 billion pounds of pesticides a year, but only a mere .01 percent actually reach the intended target – the bugs. The rest ends up contaminating our food, air, and water. Read on to nd out what else you’re consuming when biting into a commercial apple.
THE REAL HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PESTICIDES
Pesticides have been linked to the following health problems:
skin, eye and lung irritation
hormone disruption
blood disorder
brain and nervous system toxicity
cancer
birth defects
reproduction effects
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
Those who regularly eat food grown with pesticides are at the highest risk of developing health problems, as well as farmers, those who live downwind or downstream of sprayed croplands, and infants and young children (because their bodies are still developing). According to a 1998 study by the National Resource Defense Council, children living in areas with heavy pesticide use had strikingly impaired hand-eye coordination, decreased physical stamina, short-term memory impairment, and trouble drawing.
THE NAKED TRUTH According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), at least one pesticide remains on 63% of commonly purchased produce, even after it was properly washed.
FRUITS AND VEGGIES TREATED WITH THE MOST PESTICIDES
hot and bell peppers
cucumbers
leafy greens
peaches
apples
raspberries
HIGHEST NUMBER OF PESTICIDES STILL PRESENT ON A SINGLE SAMPLE
apples
imported plums
celery
cilantro
potatoes
strawberries
THE GOOD NEWS The lists below feature fruit and vegetables that contain the least amount of pesticides.
VEGETABLES
asparagus
avocado
cabbage
sweet corn
eggplant
mushrooms
onions
sweet potato
FRUIT
kiwi
cantaloupe
papaya
grapefruit
mango
pineapple
There is a solution how to protect yourself from harmful pesticides.
1. LIVING ORGANIC Eating organic produce is the best way to eliminate the harmful e ects of pesticides. Food grown without chemicals is the healthiest option for physical and mental health.
2. SHOP LOCALLY
Next time a farmers' market hits your neighborhood, check it out to find healthier choices for you and your family!
Check EWG.ORG for additional information about dirty and clean dozens of produce!
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