Food Choices: Impact on Health and Society

The destiny of nations depends on the manner
in which they feed themselves. – Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin [1]

If you’ve been keeping tabs on all the news surrounding the denaturing of fruits and vegetables, you probably know a little about the dangers of genetically modified foods (GM). Companies like Monsanto are at the forefront of this push to change the way Mother Nature intended things to be, and as this article points out, they are getting a lot of help from the government.

Sadly, with mothers all over the world ceding control of the dinner table to scientists, food marketers and governments, a terrible thing has happened — tradition and common sense have gone out the window. Michael Pollan notes in his book (In Defence of Food), “Thirty years of nutritional advice have left us fatter, sicker, and more poorly nourished. Which is why we find ourselves in the predicament we do: in need of a whole new way to think about eating.”

Don’t be fooled into thinking your government or these corporation actually care about your well-being. They don’t. Their principle agenda is the share price of company stock.”It’s crucial to reclaim control over your food choices. But how can you achieve this?”

It’s time to voice your concern or lead the way by practical action. Start acting according to your conscience rather than your wallet. Consider whether saving money on genetically modified foods is worth the potential health risks, given that food’s primary purpose is to enhance health. By purchasing locally grown organic produce, you not only invest in your health but also support a small group of conscious farmers who are standing up and making a positive difference in this world.

By saying no to companies like Monsanto, you are sending a message that you will not be denied the very best for you and your children. You are also sending the message to Mother Nature that you care and respect her for all she has done for you. We simply cannot afford to ignore this matter; we must take positive action to deny the continual exploitation, bullying and diabolical practices of these GMO companies. Our planet and future generations rely on us to drive change for their health and well-being, starting with our food choices.

If you can’t grow your own food or have no access to local organic farmers, then do your best to buy veganic. But what if you can’t afford to purchase organic or vegan (non-GMO) produce all the time? The good news is that there are some conventional fruits and vegetables that are ok to buy non-organic, based on their level of pesticide residue. These include asparagus, avocado, cabbage, cauliflower, coconut, kiwi, mango, papaya, peas, pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe. Usually anything with a thick skin is somewhat safe.

The Dirty Dozen

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet, however, many conventional varieties contain extreme amounts of pesticide residue. You might think you can wash this residue off. Wrong. Numerous tests have shown that some fruits and vegetables, even after extensive scrubbing and peeling can still have a pesticide residue. Peeling a fruit or vegetable also strips away many beneficial nutrients.

The good news is that you can reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 80% if you avoid the “Dirty Dozen.” The bad news is that you may have to pay extra money for the organic variety.

The Environmental Working Group

(EWG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1993 uses the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. EWG
specializes in providing useful resources like the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides™ to consumers while simultaneously pushing for national policy change. The EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” [2] list of foods most likely to have high pesticide residues has been regularly updated since 1995.

According to their latest research, apples take the number one spot while kale drops to number 12.

1. Apples

Conventional apples are typically grown using as many as 42 pesticides, including the reproductive toxin Thiabendazole [3]. Can’t find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.

2. Celery

Because celery has no protective skin, it is almost impossible to wash off the more than 60 chemicals used in their production, including Spinosad, that is lethal to honey bees, and Permethrin, a neurotoxin, that according to a study [4] by J.R. Bloomquist et al., 2002, may have links to Parkinson’s disease. This is one vegetable you really should buy organic, or choose an alternative for your salad.

3. Strawberries

Because of their delicate nature and closeness to the ground, strawberries are vulnerable to a host of
pests and therefore have a long history of pesticide residue. To my knowledge, they have been on this list since 1995. If you buy them out of season, you can be sure that they’ve been imported from countries that have far less stringent regulations for pesticide use. Up to 59 pesticides have been detected in
residue on strawberries, including Captan [5], which has been linked to cancer in the past, and only recently listed as “not likely” by the EPA. If you can’t find organic, try substituting with the far safer kiwi fruit.

4. Peaches

These delicate stone fruits are a favorite for lots of pests and so over 60 pesticides are regularly applied to them in conventional orchards, including (in over 30% of cases) the neurotoxin Phosmet [6]. Mark Purdey has made the controversial suggestion that Phosmet may have played a key role in the epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), otherwise known as “mad cow disease.” [7] If you cannot find organic, safer alternatives include tangerines or mangoes.

5. Spinach

First appearing on the list in 2010, conventional spinach has been known to be sprayed with as many as 48 different pesticides, including Permitherin trans, like celery in 50% of plants tested.

6. Nectarines (imported)

As many as 33 different types of pesticides have been found on conventional nectarines imported from overseas, including the neurotoxin Formetanate hydrochloride which is listed as an extremely hazardous substances in Section 302 of the US Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act [8]. Safer alternatives include papaya and mango.

7. Grapes (imported)

The first thing wrong with conventional grapes is that most are “seedless”, and therefore unnatural. The imported varieties present a greater risk to health than those grown domestically. Grapes grown on conventional vineyards can be sprayed with pesticides throughout the entire life cycle and because of the grape’s thin skin no amount of washing or peeling will ever completely eliminate this contamination. Some wines can harbor as many as 34 different pesticides.

8. Bell peppers

Just like grapes, sweet peppers (capsicums) have thin skins that don’t offer much of a barrier to pesticides. Tests have found as many as 49 different pesticides used on the sweet variety of peppers including Methamidophos, classified by WHO as Toxicity Class (1b), or highly hazardous [9].

9. Potatoes

The potato has been on and off the “Dirty Dozen” list for years. This popular vegetable can be laced with as many as 37 different pesticides. If you can’t find organic varieties, try sweet potato, eggplant, or earthy mushrooms.

10. Blueberries (domestic)

Despite their reputation as a great source of anti-oxidants, blueberries are heavily treated with pesticides (sometimes as many as 52) including small quantities of the neurotoxin Phosmet as well as the hormone disrupter Iprodione. A much safer and healthier alternative is goji berries.

11. Lettuce

Lettuce has been known to have over 50 pesticides including many reproductive toxins like DDE [10], o-Phenylphenol and Diazinon.

12. Kale/Collard Greens

Kale has had a reputation for years as a hardy vegetable that rarely suffers from pests and disease, but in tests in 2010 and again in 2011 it was found to have high amounts of pesticide residue. A safer alternative includes cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli.

[1] From The Physiology of Taste (1825).

[2] See: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/.

[3] In tests on animals, high doses of Thiabendazole have caused liver and intestinal disorders, as well as reproductive disorders. Effects on humans
from use as a drug include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache.

[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12428726.

[5] Captan belongs to the phthalimide class of fungicides and is often added as a component of other pesticide mixtures. It is used to control diseases on a number of fruits and vegetables. It also improves the outward appearance of many fruits, making them brighter and healthier-looking.

[6] Phosmet is on the US
Emergency Planning List of Extremely Hazardous Substances. It is highly toxic to bees. See: http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/phosmet.htm

[7] http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(98)90194-3/abstract

[8] (42 USC. 11002). The list can be found as an appendix to 40 C.F.R. 355.

[9] Due to its toxicity, the use of pesticides that contain methamidophos is currently being phased out in Brazil.

[10] Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) is a chemical compound formed by the loss of hydrogen chloride (dehydrohalogenation) from DDT, of which it is one of the more common breakdown products. DDE is fat-soluble, which tends to build up in the fat of animals. Due to its stability in fat, DDE is rarely excreted from the body, and body levels tend to increase throughout life. The major exception is the excretion of DDE in breast milk, which delivers a substantial portion of the mother’s DDE burden to the young animal or child.

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FAQ

Q: What is the “Dirty Dozen” in food?

A: The “Dirty Dozen” refers to a list of fruits and vegetables that are most likely to contain high pesticide residues. Avoiding these can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Q: Why should I avoid genetically modified foods?

A: Genetically modified foods may pose health risks and contribute to environmental issues. Opting for organic or non-GMO options can support better health and sustainability.

Q: How can I support sustainable farming?

A: You can support sustainable farming by purchasing locally grown organic produce, reducing food waste, and advocating for policies that promote ethical agricultural practices.

Q: What are some safe non-organic produce options?

A: Some non-organic produce with lower pesticide residues include asparagus, avocado, cabbage, and watermelon. These are generally safer to consume in conventional form.

Q: How does buying organic produce benefit the environment?

A: Organic farming practices reduce chemical use, promote biodiversity, and improve soil health, contributing to a healthier environment.

Q: What are the health benefits of eating organic foods?

A: Organic foods typically offer higher nutrient levels and are free from harmful pesticides and GMOs, supporting improved health and well-being.

Q: How can I make healthier food choices on a budget?

A: Prioritize buying organic versions of the “Dirty Dozen,” and choose conventional options for produce with lower pesticide risks. Buying in bulk and seasonal produce can also help save money.

Q: What impact do food choices have on society?

A: Food choices can influence public health, environmental sustainability, and economic systems, making conscious decisions vital for societal well-being.

Q: Why is it important to be informed about food sources?

A: Being informed about food sources helps you make healthier choices, supports ethical practices, and reduces environmental impact.

Q: How can I start growing my own food?

A: Begin with easy-to-grow plants like herbs or tomatoes, use containers if space is limited, and educate yourself on gardening techniques for a successful start.

Q: What is the importance of the “Dirty Dozen” list?

A: The “Dirty Dozen” list highlights produce with high pesticide residues, helping consumers make safer choices by opting for organic alternatives.

Q: How can I reduce my exposure to pesticides in food?

A: Avoiding the “Dirty Dozen” and choosing organic options for these items can significantly reduce pesticide exposure.

Q: What are the benefits of choosing organic produce?

A: Organic produce is often richer in nutrients, free from harmful pesticides and GMOs, and supports environmental sustainability.

Q: Why is it important to be informed about food sources?

A: Being informed helps you make healthier choices, supports ethical practices, and reduces environmental impact.

Q: How does buying organic produce benefit the environment?

A: Organic farming reduces chemical use, promotes biodiversity, and improves soil health, contributing to a healthier environment.

Q: What are some safe non-organic produce options?

A: Asparagus, avocado, cabbage, and watermelon are generally safer to consume in conventional form due to lower pesticide residues.

Q: How can I support sustainable farming?

A: Support sustainable farming by purchasing locally grown organic produce, reducing food waste, and advocating for ethical agricultural practices.