Laboratory studies show that pesticides can cause health problems, such as birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and other effects that might occur over a long period of time. However, these effects depend on how toxic the pesticide is and how much of it is consumed. Some pesticides also pose unique health risks to children.*
You see, pesticides cause disEase and death.Their ultimate goal is to kill...bugs and pests. But they also have the power to disrupt our health, development, fertility, energy, vitality, and longevity, not to mention the environment. So, not only is it necessary to eat our fruits and veggies, but it is also beneficial to try try try to buy organically.
"Organically grown" food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (e.g., biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food. And even though it is impossible to eliminate and prevent all pesticide residues from entering our bodies, we as consumers would be smart to move more towards the organically grown and organically processed foods as a way to reduce our exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. See this article on Natural vs. Synthetic Pesticides for more info.
By avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating those least contaminated instead, you can significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides by 90 percent. And if you are unable to get them "organically" just be sure to soak and gently scrub your produce for a few minutes to remove toxins. Maybe even a homemade fruit/veggie bath or one of these guys can help you out:
Cleanliness is Godliness.
Technorati Tags: organic, sustainability, cleanliness, godliness, vitality, healthy, longevity, pesticides, agriculture, vegetables, fruit, produce, sustainability, farming, Patrick Holden, contamination, fruit wash, veggie wash, soil, composting
RECIPES
organic is the only way to go.Honestly not only do they pose fewer health risks, but I think they taste better, too.
Posted by: flutter | January 29, 2007 at 09:03 PM
My friend tried to explain all this to me a while ago, and sincerely, I didn't get it. Now reading this explanation, it all makes a lot more sense. I will definitely start working towards this lifestyle. And flutter is right, it does taste better...
Posted by: Vlad 'Tatankanuk' Mercado | January 29, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Wow. I am glad I can be of some assistance to you Vlad. I agree with the both of you. Organic taste so much better.
I always know a good organic apple because I can taste all the fruits in the rainbow in just one single bite. Yum!
Posted by: Briana Franco | January 29, 2007 at 09:51 PM
I just wanted to tell you that this is a great blog/website you have. Keep up the work it is a service to all.
Posted by: John | January 30, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Thanks John! I will try my best:)
Posted by: Briana Franco | January 30, 2007 at 10:29 AM
mm.. i will definitely show this post to a colleague of mine who always used detergent to wash fruits.
Thnx for thr tips, it comes in handy. =)
Posted by: zee | February 01, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Tell your friend to be careful with the detergent.
These soaps, like pesticides, were not made to be consumed by us folk. Besides, it might change the flavor of the fruit because the fruit will absorb residues which may make one sick.
Posted by: Briana Franco | February 01, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Hi,Breeze.I enjoy reading "LN" from the beginning.You must enjoy writing these posts!Every posts are full of confidence,and those Orange&Green colors are energetic but calm on the other hand.Sometimes I came across new words that I've never heard of('cause I'm not a native English speaker),but I'm trying to understand.Keep up the great work!Thanks.
Posted by: Kenichi Matsumoto | February 01, 2007 at 07:39 PM