Think Eating Kale is Healthy? It Is – But It Might Not Be, Due To Pesticide Residues
We all know we should eat a diet rich in healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. The trouble is, 70% of produce sold in the US has pesticide residues on it – even after it is washed.
However, you can still eat healthy food and avoid the problems – but you need to know how.
Luckily, it’s pretty easy.
What’s the Story With Kale?
We know that kale is one of the healthiest vegetables that we can eat. Sadly, we now know that it’s also one of the most heavily contaminated with pesticide residues in the US – even after washing.
Read on for more information on what you can do about it, and why you should still keep eating kale.
Pesticide Residues in the US vs. Europe
Why am I stressing “in the US”? Well, normally I assume that whatever is found in the US, is pretty similar to what happens elsewhere in the world (except for chickens and a few other differences).
However, in this latest study, the most frequently detected pesticide, found on nearly 60 percent of US kale samples, was Dacthal, or DCPA – and that pesticide is outright banned for use in Europe due to its danger to human health.
EWG Report on Pesticide Residues
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces lists of the cleanest and dirtiest produce.
Each year it might vary slightly – this year, kale was a surprise addition to the dirtiest produce.
You’ll find the lists of the cleanest and dirtiest produce below.
First though, find out how to eat healthy fresh food and vegetables, safely.
How To Avoid Pesticide Residues
The answer is deceptively simple. Buy (or grow) organic produce!
100% certified organic produce does not have toxic insecticides, fungicides or herbicides sprayed on it.
But – organic produce can sometimes be expensive, and it’s not always possible to get it.
So, use the list below. The cleanest produce is fine to buy normally. For the dirtiest produce – strawberries, spinach and kale – try to buy 100% organic whenever possible.
Also, the definition of “organic” has been rather watered down in the US, so always look out for 100% organic labels.
The EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” for 2019
Always try to buy these organic.
Strawberries- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
The EWG’s “Clean Fifteen” for 2019
Avocados- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Frozen sweet peas
- Onions
- Papayas
- Eggplants
- Asparagus
- Kiwis
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- Cantaloupes
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Honeydew melons
Conclusion
The EWG list is very useful. Always try to buy organic fresh fruits and vegetables if they’re on the “dirty dozen” list.
If you can’t remember what’s on the list, generally fresh produce with no skin or thin skin absorbs the most pesticide residue, like strawberries, spinach and kale. So be sure to buy them 100% organic if you can.
But KEEP EATING lots of fresh produce – it’s vital for your health!
Please Share this post – it’s easy – sharing buttons below and right!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.
