Some time ago I was alarmed to read the research stating that washing fruits and vegetable to remove herbicides and pesticides is useless in removing contaminants. The reason? Because the pesticides have already infused into the cells of the fruit/vegetable and thus cannot be removed by washing the exterior.
I likened this information to what happens in the human body. The skin is the largest body organ. Whatever is applied to the skin is absorbed immediately and travels to the blood and all the body organs. That is why so many drugs today are delivered via patches to the skin – because of the immediate mode of absorption.
Why would the cells of the fruit and vegetables be different?
I was intrigued by a story in the 10-13-09 www.mercola.com newsletter titled:
“Most Vegetables and Fruits Have ‘Unacceptable’ Levels of Pesticides”
(See http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/13/Fruit-and-Vegetables-Have-Unacceptable-Levels-of-Pesticides.aspx)
The article includes the following information:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 90 percent of fungicides, 60 percent of herbicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to cause cancer.
Lab studies also indicate pesticides can cause other serious health problems, including:
- Infertility
- Birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths
- Learning disorders
- Aggressive behavior
- Nerve damage
- Cancer of the breast, prostate and lymphatic system
Which Vegetables and Fruits Are Dirtiest?
The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) latest Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides lists the following “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables as the most highly contaminated according to recent testing:
|
Peach |
Cherries |
|
Apple |
Kale |
|
Bell Pepper |
Lettuce |
|
Celery |
Grapes (imported) |
|
Nectarine |
Carrot |
|
Strawberries |
Pear |
Dr. Mercola makes the sobering comment: “Whether you live in the UK, U.S. or elsewhere, the important thing to remember about pesticide contamination of your food is that government ‘allowed levels’ do not mean safe levels.”
The bottom line of the article:
1) Lab studies indicate pesticides do cause serious health problems.
2) “Allowable” levels do not mean “safe” levels.
3) Herbicides and pesticides cross the fruit and vegetable cell membranes, thus rendering washing useless in removing all the contaminants.
The above three reasons provide strong motivation for us to consume organic fruits and vegetables. With greater consumer demand, prices will go down, thus making safe fruits and vegetables available for everyone.
