Produce with Less Pesticide

Posted in: Health, Nutrition, News Watch
By Dr. Pantea Etminan, NHD
Jan 2, 2012 - 2:58:14 PM

All commercial produce, fruits and vegetables, now days contain some pesticide. Some contain loads and are considered to be quite harmful for health. Those are called the dirty dozen, which has been brought to your attention before--they are updated on yearly basis. Then there are those produce that do contain pesticide but on much lower level and considered safer.

The Environmental Working Group's Shoppers Guide (EWG), which is a trusted organization that follows these issues, suggests that these 15 produce are on the cleaner list and would be safe to consume:

  • Pineapple
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Grapefruit
  • Mangoes
  • Kiwi
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Eggplant
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
  • Sweet peas
  • Avocado
  • Sweet Corn

While this would be considered the "safer" list of produce to purchase as commercial, because they contain less pesticide or they are not contaminated such as others--still I recommend, if possible at all, to eat organic produce as much as possible. Any pesticide residue can be harmful to health, but as not always it may be possible to purchase organic, this list would be the one to go with. Do understand and keep in mind that produce are in constant change these days--so it is important to pay attention to that part of it too, such as produce that are GMO. For example, at least, if not more--70% of commercial corn on the market is GMO at this time. Therefore, that is a very important factor to keep in mind. As discussed previously--GMO products are harmful for health and wellbeing and should not be consumed.

Another factor to be aware of is that--produce that would have thicker skin, such as melons, would better keep the pesticide away from the flesh as a much more sensitive produce, such as asparagus--which has much thinner outer shell, if any, and would allow entrance of pesticide and toxins much easier.

It is recommended to eat as much produce as you can--from 5 servings to 10 each day. Of course, if you are eating organic, you could consume as much as you want without any concern. But if it is not organic, certain individuals may have harder time processing all the pesticides that would be on the produce. Still yet, eating fruits and vegetables should always be part of daily diet no matter what, because they do provide an enormous amount of nutrients and health benefits that we humans cannot live without. Being mindful in what type of food we buy is the key.

Don't forget to enjoy a variety of good fresh produce on daily basis--and to an extent that you can, eat them as organic to not only be safer but to achieve all the vital nutrients that organic has to offer. Nature's natural medicine for life.



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