Pesticides in Food

Ever eat fruit in the grocery store, as you shop?

I'm good for a few handful of grapes nearly every time I go but I'm starting to fight the temptation and certainly not because petty theft issues.

Thousands of insects, weeds or plant disease damage nearly 1/3 of our nation's farm crop each year. In response to this destruction, agriculturists have developed synthetic herbicides and pesticides to augment plant's natural defenses.

These synthetic chemicals can cause serious health problems; cancer, nerve disorders, genetic mutations, birth defects, miscarriages and even deaths.

So, should you stop eating vegetables and fruits?

Not at all but here are some tips to make it much safer:

• Avoid direct skin contact or breathing exposure to pesticides
• Wash produce thoroughly
• Peel if possible
• Remove outer leaves
• Cook
• Eat less animal fat and seafood from contaminated waters
• Buy local fruits/vegs in season
• Eat a variety so that if you eat food that contains pesticides it will only contribute to a small amount of your overall diet
• Buy frozen
• Buy certified organic

Ever get sick from pesticides? Comment below

Facts are taken from Healthful Nutrition for Fitness and Sport: The consumer athlete