Does that delicious red apple you're holding in your hand have a sinister side? It just might be true according to recent studies that looked at pesticide residues on fruits. The results of these studies are sobering.
We've all heard about the health benefits of fruits such as apple.Although apples are quite healthy in their natural state with high concentrations of flavonoids, phenols, and vitamins, they also rank number two on the list of fruits most contaminated with pesticides. In fact, the sobering news is, according to the EWG report, pesticides were detected on over 90% of the apples they tested and the list of pesticides found totaled thirty-six, all with very ominous sounding chemical names.
Unfortunately, apple trees are often sprayed with organophosphate pesticides which are designated nerve agents that can alter brain function. Who is the most susceptible to this brain altering effect? Children are the real victims since their nervous system tissue is still developing to some degree. The effects of organophosphate pesticides can have such effects as lowering I.Q scores and causing problems with focus and attention. Plus, many well meaning parents encourage their children to eat apples on a frequent basis, never realizing the hidden dangers.
What can you do to prevent the harmful effects of pesticides on apples? The most important thing you can do is to buy organic apples. Not only do you avoid the harmful pesticide exposure, organic apples are known to have higher concentrations of healthy antioxidants and vitamins. There's no reason to deprive you and your children of the amazing positive benefits of apples when there are sources for organic apples grown without the use of pesticides.
Another alternative if you can't afford organic produce is to substitute apple juice for the whole apple. Apple juice tends to be lower in pesticide residues than the whole apples are. There are disadvantages to choosing the juice over the whole apple. You'll miss out on the fiber contained in the whole fruit, plus you consume more calories when you drink apple juice as opposed to using the whole fruit. This may be a worthwhile trade off when you consider the damage that frequent exposure to pesticides can do to your health.
If organic apples aren't readily available in your area, try seeking out a natural food cooperative in your area. They often stock organic apples at reasonable prices and have good availability. You may also want to let your local grocery store know you're concerned about pesticides on produce and encourage them to stock organic alternatives.
Next time you're in your local grocery store and you pass the produce section, keep an eye open for organic apples. You'll be doing you and your family a big favor.
