Find out what chemicals are present in our favorite fruits and vegetables and why should we eat these colorful goodies

Lets welcome the new Superstars!!!

In recent times, health and nutrition consciousness has become an integral part of our daily lives. Thus, it is not a surprise when reports indicate that the fruits and vegetables who were superstars in the ancient civilizations are back on their way to 'health stardom', in this modern era.

Why eat fruits and vegetables...

This newfound popularity is driven by the fact that fruits and veggies contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect us from chronic diseases. In comparison to people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of their daily diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases like stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

When buying these superstars, I highly recommend that you go for the colorful ones. And trust me, this recommendation is not driven by the fact that I love colorful things! It has already been proved that eating fruits and veggies of different colors gives our body a wide range of valuable nutrients, like fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. What more can you ask from these little gifts of nature??

The other side of he story...

But before you get all excited on your trip to the produce market and stock your house with these colorful goodies, please read the below mentioned facts. Unfortunately, most of the produce available for purchase are loaded with harmful chemicals. And if you have been even remotely listening to what's going on in our modern world, you would know that the biggest culprits are the 'Pesticides' used in the farming of crops.

Over the last 60 years farmers and growers have changed the way they produce food so as to meet the expectations of consumers and increase profitability in domestic and global markets. The major change seen in the modern farming practice often is the excessive use of pesticides.

Farmers use pesticides to:

- protect crops from insect pests, weeds and fungal diseases while they are growing

- prevent rats, mice, flies and other insects from contaminating foods during storage·

- safeguard human health, by stopping food crops being contaminated by fungi

The ugly picture...

In case you have not yet realized the situation, scientists estimate that 40 percent of all cancer incidence in men and 60 percent in women is related to diet. To paint a much clear picture of my concern, I have collected some facts on the amount of chemicals found in the common fruits and vegetable. This data is taken from www.whatsonmyfood.org. You can visit the website for more information and check the presence of chemicals found in the everyday food items.

In the below mentioned data , the numbers indicate the breakup of total chemicals found in the produce and their effects on human health.

CELERY - Total 55 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(9) - Known or Probable Carcinogens, (6) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(12) - Neurotoxins, (10) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

ORANGES - Total 50 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(8) - Known or Probable Carcinogens, (24) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(10) - Neurotoxins,  (8) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

STRAWBERRY - Total 42 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(7) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,   (18) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(11) - Neurotoxins,  (6) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

BLUEBERRIES - Total 47 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(7) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,   (22) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(12) - Neurotoxins,   (6) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

APPLE - Total 39 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(5) - Known or Probable Carcinogens, (19) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(10) - Neurotoxins,  (5) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

CARROTS - Total 38 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(7) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,   (19) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(5) - Neurotoxins,   (7) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

BROCCOLI - Total 36 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(5) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,  (19) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(9) - Neurotoxins,  (3) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

GRAPES - Total 36 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(4) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,   (17)- Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(10) - Neurotoxins,   (5) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

CAULIFLOWER - Total 19 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(2) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,  (9) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(6) - Neurotoxins,  (2) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

BANANA - Total 17 chemicals

Human Health Effects:

(4) - Known or Probable Carcinogens,  (7) - Suspected Hormone Disruptors

(2) - Neurotoxins,   (4) - Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

The good part...

The information surely knocks off the winds from our 'health conscious' sail. But the battle is not lost yet. Thankfully, many retailers are increasingly stocking their shelves with 'organic' produce. These are food items grown without the harmful use of pesticides and the farming methods used are known to be environmentally friendly.

So, it’s time to get excited again about our trip to fresh produce store...

As consumers, each one of us have the power to influence the dynamics of supply and demand. Our organic purchase will not only help improve our health but will also support the farmers who are making an effort to provide us with a healthy alternative to pesticides loaded fruits and vegetables.