Are these healthy foods putting you at risk?

Summer is a great time to indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables from your local farmer’s market.

And eating your fruits and veggies is a great way to stay healthy!

But according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), those very foods could be putting your health at risk.

Here’s what you need to know.

This year’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ List

The EWG—a non-profit organization focused on agricultural and farming research—recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list.

The “Dirty Dozen” is an annual report of fruits and veggies that have the highest pesticide residue.

This year’s list features the following:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10.  Pears
11.  Celery
12.  Tomatoes

Even though almost 70 percent of the samples had no detectable pesticide residue… that’s not something to be ignored!

Several studies have linked pesticide exposure to negative health effects.

Some of those effects include respiratory problems, reproductive issues, endocrine system disruption, neurological damage, an increased risk of certain cancers, and even death.

Our toxic food supply 

The Alliance for Food and Farming (another non-profit organization) tell us that pesticide residues on produce are low—if present at all—and to ignore the list.

Of course, they tell us that. After all, farming is centered around the mass production of crops for profit.

And here’s the sad truth: All of the residues found on the samples were within legal limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

But as you and I both know, just because the levels are “legal”, doesn’t make them safe. These toxins can affect our bodies at any level.

Now, please keep in mind that I’m not telling you to stop eating any of the foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list. I’m simply sounding an alarm.

In fact, I see the “Dirty Dozen” list as another bit of information you need to help navigate through our complicated (and sometimes dangerous) food supply system.

So, be mindful when choosing your fruits and veggies. If you really love something that falls on the list, I recommend buying organic varieties.

Or—find a local farmer’s market to shop local and seasonal instead. (That’s what I do.) It’s much easier to get the full story about the foods you’re eating from the people who actually grow them than it is to try and read between the lines of fancy labels and strategic packaging.

And of course, always wash your produce properly before you eat it, whether or not you’re buying organic varieties.

You can follow these simple steps:

• Wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and food preparation surfaces before and after preparing fruits and vegetables.
• Clean fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you do not plan to eat the peel. Germs on the peel or skin can still get inside fruits and vegetables.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.
• Dry fruit or vegetables with a clean paper towel. Enjoy right away or set aside for a healthy snack.

Until next time,
Dr. Fred

P.S. This Tuesday, May 24th at 7:00 p.m. (EDT), I will be hosting my groundbreaking Ultimate Heart Summit. During this exclusive event, I’ll reveal a natural heart protector that slashes the risk of cardiac death nearly in HALF. Admission to the online event is FREE, but space is limited. So all I ask is that you RSVP by clicking here.

Source:

“EWG’s 2022 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” EWG Science Team, 04/07/2022. (ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php)