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Writer's pictureEkaterina Samoilova

FRUITS, VEGGIES, AND PESTICIDES

Updated: May 20, 2023




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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