Small Steps to Wellness

I’m sure you probably wash your fruits and vegetables when you get them home from the super market, but did you ever consider besides a little dirt what might also be on the fruit? How about chemicals from pesticides, waxes and herbicides? Washing may remove some of the chemicals from the outside of the fruit, but it won’t get rid of all of it and it won’t get rid of any of the chemicals that enter the fruit or vegetables cells. What’s the answer? Buy organic whenever possible. You may not be able to buy only organic all the time but please consider that there are some produce that have more toxic chemicals than others. The following list has the fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of chemicals:

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes – Imported
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit environmental research organization stated that by eliminating the above list called the “dirty dozen” you will be able to lower your exposure to pesticides by about 90%.

The following list has the least amount of exposure to pesticides:

* Asparagus
* Avocados
* Bananas
* Broccoli
* Cauliflower
* Corn (However, almost all corn is genetically modified)
* Kiwi
* Mangoes
* Onions
* Papaya
* Pineapples
* Sweet Peas

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has suggested that eating the fruits and vegetables listed in the “dirty dozen” will expose you to at least 14 pesticides per day while eating from the least contaminated list will only expose you to 2 pesticides per day.

You might ask why you should be concerned about ingesting pesticides. Studies have shown that pesticides can cause cancer, nervous system damage and even have reproductive effects.

Remember to eat a varied diet, wash all your fruits and vegetables and choose organic whenever possible.

Download a wallet size card to remind you of organic fruits and vegetables to prioritize.

Devastating Effects of Psychiatric Drugs on New Moms

Related posts:

1. Organic Supplements When you buy supplements do you consider organic?  If you...
2. The Top Ten Steps for Wellness Every day we get to start over and work on...
3. Hemp Clothing Have you thought about buying hemp clothing and accessories to...
4. Preventing Hair Loss There are many conditions that can lead to hair loss. ...
5. Industrialization of Food Linked To Chronic Diseases Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto...