For Our Health: Organics and Pesticides

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been researching toxic-free ways to live my life, for both myself and our beautiful Mother Earth. One very clear way to do this is to begin eating more organic foods. Organic means that the fruits and vegetables were grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, are not genetically modified, and are not irradiated. Clearly, man-made toxic pesticides are bad for both our bodies, and our air, earth and water, not to mention the effects these pesticides have on low-wage farm workers having to work around them. And, I know that organics are more expensive, and that is because it is more labour intensive and because organic farmers are not subsidized by the government, like conventional farms. However, as global citizens, we can begin making the shift towards what is right for ourselves and our planet, and by increasing the demand for organic products, we will also reduce costs! But, where to begin?

The Environmental Working Group, (EWG), a research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., has developed a list called the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables, which they say you should always buy organic, if possible, because their conventionally grown counterparts are laden with pesticides. I especially recommend this list for pregnant and nursing women and for small children. Pesticides can adversely affect people, but this is especially true during vulnerable periods of fetal development. Childhood exposure can also have long lasting effects. After all, the body mass index of a child is much less than a fully grown adult and therefore it takes far fewer non-organic berries, for example, to inflict harm on a little one. And, whatever a nursing mother ingests, is going to show up in her breast milk.

Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, the “dirty dozen” ranks produce from worst to best. That peach at the top of the list received a score of 100, meaning that it is ladden with pesticides that you cannot remove. Buy organic peaches! The next on the list, apples. The FDA found that more than 93% of conventionally grown apples tested still had pesticide residues on them after being thoroughly washed.

The Dirty Dozen (starting with the worst culprits)
*peaches
*apples
*sweet bell peppers
*celery
*nectarines
*strawberries
*cherries
*grapes (imported)
*pears
*spinach/lettuce
*potatoes
*raspberries

At the other end of the spectrum, here are the fruits and veggies least ladden with pesticides:

*onions
*avocados
*sweet corn
*pineapples
*mangos
*sweet peas
*asparagus
*kiwi
*bananas
*cabbage
*broccoli
*eggplant

Washing produce in cold water reduces levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them. Peeling reduces exposure but also takes valuable nutrients with it. It is recommended that you thoroughly wash all produce in cold water, even if you are going to peel it. Commercial spray washes have not been evaluated by the FDA as of yet, but I am including a home-made version below. It is called a “veggie” spray, but is meant for both fruits and vegetables. The grapefruit seed extract can be purchased at a health food store.

Veggie Cleaner Spray (by Sophie Uliano)

Ingredients:

* 1 Cup water
* 1 Cup distilled white vinegar
* 1 Tablespoon baking soda
* 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract

Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce, and rinse thoroughly after 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!

We all know that we should be eating at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables. These nutrient-dense foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which will provide our bodies with healthy fuel and they taste great! If we can begin replacing the chemical ladden versions, it will be better for us and help create a healthier world. If you can purchase them locally, all the better, as it is healthier for the body, supports the community, and reduces the need to ship produce half-way around the world. A tremendous amount of fossil fuel is used to transport foods such long distances. Combustion of these fuels releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change, acid rain, smog and air pollution. Local foods from small farms usually undergo minimal processing, are produced in relatively small quantities, and are distributed within a few dozen miles of where they originate. Thus, they are better for us and the environment. A win-win situation! Happy, healthy eating, my friends!