Pesticides

 Think he nailed it.  Easy to remember. Easy to understand. Feed your kids fresh fruits and vegetables, grass-fed additive-free meats and fish, and whole grains.  Lean toward organic farming whenever possible as it  is natural farming minus the use of unnatural chemicals.  When you go to your local farmer’s markets or grocery store, remember Dr. Bob’s advice.  You’ll instinctively stay away from processed foods.  As you have heard before, shop the outer perimeter of the store and skip the inner isles as much as possible.  

… for the health of your family,
ellen

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that since 1997, 18 percent more kids have been diagnosed with allergies.  And, they say no one knows why?  I beg to differ with them.  There is lots of evidence pointing to why: consumption of artificial additives in processed products and the increase of farming chemicals found in foods (ie pesticides) are a couple.  There are enough warning signals for us to take note and focus on eating naturally sourced foods.  We recommend that everyone eats God-made foods for your God-made bodies – not lab-made foods.  This action would be a significant step in eliminating many causes of allergies.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

The following list is based on information and studies by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group.

MOST CONTAMINATED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

1. Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
2. Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
3. Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
4. Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
5. Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
6. Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
7. Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
8. Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
9. Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
10. Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
11. Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
12. Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

LEAST CONTAMINATED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables found to contain the least amount of pesticides. Notice that many of these have thick, inedible skins which protect the fruit.

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

Fruits and Vegetables Known to Have the Lowest Amount of Pesticides:
Asparagas, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn
(sweet), Kiwi, Mango, Onions, Papaya, Pineapples, Peas (sweet)

Fruits and Vegetables Known to Have the Highest Levels of Pesticides:
Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Grapes (imported),
Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries,
Spinach, Strawberries

Today, supermarkets stock organic apples, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and spinach in addition to other fruits and vegetables. The extra few cents is worth it for your health and taste! When out of season, look for frozen organic berries. In season, look for fresh berries from your local fruit market. Unfortunately, bell peppers are pretty expensive, especially if they are organic. Enjoy them once in a while. Resist eating grapes, nectarines, peaches and pears until they are in season, thereby avoiding the heavily sprayed imported versions. Buy US over foreign fruits and vegetables as they are more regulated.

Bottom line: it is better to eat imperfect fruits and vegetables than none at all. Do your best. At every meal, eat at least three different naturally-sourced God-made colors of foods. The more colors the more phyto-nutrients for the health of your family.