Fruits, Veggies, & Pesticides

We know a healthy diet requires a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, but these seemingly healthy choices may instead be full of pesticides!

The United states uses 1.2 billion pounds of pesticides a year, but only a mere .01 percent actually reach the intended target - the bugs. The rest ends up contaminating our food, air, and water.

Those who regularly eat food grown with pesticides are at the highest risk of developing health problems, as well as farmers, those who live downwind or downstream of sprayed croplands, and infants and young children (because their bodies are still developing).

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found at least one pesticide on 63 percent of the produce sample size they analyzed - even after it was properly washed. In addition, 10 percent of the sample had residue from five or more various pesticides.

Fruits and Veggies treated with the most pesticides include:

Hot peppers
Cucumbers
Leafy Greens
Peaches
Apples
Raspberries

Eating organic produce is the best way to eliminate the harmful effects of pesticides on the health of you and your family. Food that is grown without chemicals is the healthiest diet you can feed your body, and doing so can nourish your health and mind.