More people these days are concerned with dangerous chemicals in our environment and their detrimental health effects. Some of the most damaging are pesticides used on food which are difficult or impossible to wash off. These bug killers are ingested directly into the body just by eating the fruits and veggies they are applied to. They are not much better for people than for the insects they are designed to kill.
So how do you avoid the deadly chemicals? The answer is to grow your own organic fruits and vegetables (not practical for most people) or buy organically grown food. The major drawback to buying organic is that it is very costly; MUCH more expensive than regular commercially grown food.
Despite the extra cost, many experts agree that there are certain fruits and vegetables which are well worth purchasing in organic varieties. They have compiled a list of twelve which contain the highest levels of pesticides when grown conventionally. Despite the added cost, the organic forms of this dozen provide such a distinct long-term health advantage that it is well worth paying extra for them.
The foods in question are:
1. apples
2. sweet bell peppers
3. carrots
4. celery
5. cherries
6. grapes (imported)
7. kale
8. lettuce
9. nectarines
10. peaches
11. pears
12. strawberries
The experts also recommend that you always thoroughly wash the fruits and vegetables you buy, whether they are organically grown or not!
Annie: I hope Mama and Papa buy the organic stuff when they go grocery shopping. I want them to be happy and healthy for a long, long time!
Charlie: I agree 100% with that! I’d hate to have to find and train new playmates!
Annie: There you go, only concerned about yourself as usual.
Charlie: I’m joking; where’s your sense of humor?
Annie: I used to have one, but I guess I’ve been around you too long!
Charlie: Very funny! See, you’ve still got it!
Annie: I’m glad we’re obligate carnivores and don’t eat fruits and vegetables so we don’t have to worry about those darn pesticides.
Charlie: Fruits and vegetables? Yuuuuuck! Why would anybody eat anything that’s green?!?! But, we’re not completely out of the woods; they add hormones and other nasty stuff to cattle and chicken feed.
Annie: You had to bum me out, didn’t you?
Charlie: Don’t worry, Mama and Papa only buy the REALLY EXPENSIVE food for us that doesn’t contain any of those bad drugs or other chemicals.
Annie: I LOVE Mama and Papa!
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Related Reading: Organic Fruits & Vegetables
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