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 have 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. You need to take back control of your dinner table now! How?
It’s time to voice your concern or lead the way
by practical action. Start acting according to your conscience rather than your
wallet. Ask yourself: is it really worthwhile to save a few dollars buying
genetically modified foods when the ultimate purpose of food is to improve
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 practical action. Start acting according to your conscience rather than your
wallet. Ask yourself: is it really worthwhile to save a few dollars buying
genetically modified foods when the ultimate purpose of food is to improve
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 our children are depending on us to initiate change to
ensure their future health and wellbeing, and it all begins at our plate.
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 our children are depending on us to initiate change to
ensure their future health and wellbeing, and it all begins at our plate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 intestine disorder, as well as reproductive disorders. Effects on humans
from use as drug includes nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness,
drowsiness, or headache.
and intestine disorder, as well as reproductive disorders. Effects on humans
from use as drug includes 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.
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
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.
355.
[9] Due to its toxicity, the use of pesticides that contain
methamidophos is currently being phased out in Brazil.
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.
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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