Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids (beta-carotene and
other antioxidants). The most heavily contaminated produce food in the U.S.,
strawberries are treated with more than 300 to 500 pounds of pesticides per
acre. Conventional farming uses about 25 pounds per acre. Strawberries have the
highest level of "hormone-affecting" pesticides. Also, they are sprayed with
preservatives for shipping.
Leafy Greens, such as lettuces, spinach, kale, and chard are vital and
nutritious. They contain folic acid as well as chlorophyll, calcium, iron and
other minerals. Sprayed chemicals tend to adhere to the leaves of these
vegetables, making them more toxic. Spinach is sprayed with very potent
pesticides, especially the neurotoxins, and others noted as mildly carcinogenic.
"Apples and
peaches were the two crops with the greatest number of different pesticides per
crop."
Grapes contain cleansing fibers, B-vitamins and vitamin C, plus
minerals. Red grapes contain many phytonutrients, including proanthocyanadins,
which appear to be heart protective. Because they ripen quickly and attract
insects and molds, they tend to be more heavily treated to get them to the
market. During winter and early spring, almost all grapes available are from
Chile, and are found to have a higher percentage of pesticides. So buy organic
grapes, grape juices and raisins.
Rice is the most frequently consumed food on the planet— a high-fiber
staple with B-vitamins and minerals, including the anti-oxidant, anti-cancer
mineral, selenium. Seriously consider buying organically grown rice. Many
persistent water-soluble herbicides and insecticides have been found to
contaminate the ground water near major rice fields. Buying in bulk is less
expensive.
Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, and
Cauliflower) because of their healthy anti-cancer phytonutrients, vitamin and
mineral con- tent and high-fiber, are excellent foods to eat regularly. If s
best to eat the organically grown versions of these vegetables, free of toxic
pesticides.
Apples are a staple containing cleansing fiber, detoxifying pectin, and
many nutrients. Most apples have been found to be nearly as contaminated as
strawberries. Apples and peaches were the two crops with the greatest number of
different pesticides per crop! Fortunately, now about 70% of the apple growers
are using organic practices. If you eat non- organic apples, be sure to at
least peel them or wash them well since many of the chemical residues are on the
apple skins.
Almonds and Sunflower Seeds, These nutrient-rich life forms contain vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs),
but they hold pesticides in their oils. Nuts and seeds are packed with
B-vitamins, minerals, zinc and selenium. Find low-salt nuts, but raw nuts and
seeds are best, as are the butters made from them. Include pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, pine
nuts, and sesame seeds—again, organically grown.
"some forms of ...
wheat allergy may
actually be a
neurotoxic reaction
to the pesticide"
Tomatoes & Sweet Peppers. These "fruits of the vine" include vitamin C,
B-vitamins, carotenoids, and other phytonutrients, especially the
prostate-helpful lycopenes. Both red and green bell peppers were found to have
neurotoxic pesticide residues. They may be waxed which is difficult to remove
and other chemicals are within the waxes. Tomatoes are worth buying
organically grown.
Other Foods that are healthier when organic Include:
Tropical Fruits. High in carotenes and enzymes, pineapples, papayas and
mangoes attract tropical pests and are heavily treated during cultivation, storage, and shipping. As with most pesticided foods, the chemicals are systemic,
not only on the surface. Here's something new…and ancient…under the sun. When the sun's energy evaporated the primal oceans at the foothills of the Himalayas eons ago, and mountain formation over time put the rock salt under enormous pressure, salt crystal was formed.
Imported Produce. Usually out-of-season, this pro-
duce is heavily treated for growing and shipping.
There is also
risk of higher toxicity from the use DDT, banned in the
U.S. but which we make and sell to
other countries. It comes back to us in
cantaloupes and other imported melons.
Shop Locally. Eat seasonal foods
grown near your area or a balanced
and wholesome diet. These foods are
freshest usually the most economical,
and if they are not organic, they don't
need to be treated for shipping long
distances.
Dairy Products. Because pesticides
are pervasive and stored in the fats of food (as well
as in the fat of our bodies), dairy products tend to
retain higher levels of them. Milk is a common source
of the herbicide atrazine, a known endocrine-
disrupter, and rBGH to boost milk production in cows. Buy organic!
Eggs are the most bio-available protein there is, feeding the body
tissues, the glands, ova and sperm, and hormones. Factory farm eggs are lower in
nutrients than organic ones, and they don't taste as
good as those laid by free-ranging hens not fed
antibiotics.
Wheat is a staple in the world diet, with many vitamins, minerals, and
fiber. But wheat can be one of the most heavily treated grains because it is
stockpiled as a basic commodity and fumigated periodically to keep down pests.
The outer coating or bran receives the most chemical treatment. Some forms of
what is believed to be wheat allergy may actually be a neurotoxic reaction to the
pesticide residues in the grain.
Corn contains B vitamins, especially niacin, and adds fiber to the
diet. Typically heavily treated, locally
grown fresh corn tends to be treated
less, and corn on the cob a little safer than the
more contaminated corn byproducts. Organic is
best.
This information was adapted from The Staying Healthy Shopper's Guide: Feed Your Family Safely, by Elson Haas, M.D. copyright© 1997. (continue to next article)
