tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110293542008-07-06T00:05:00.350+08:00HealthyLivingBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05773466511620713465noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-1516308634329685922008-07-06T00:05:00.001+08:002008-07-06T00:05:00.359+08:00

The FDA isn't checking farms and packing plants as regularly as they used to. The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects every meatpacking plant in the country each day; in contrast, the FDA might inspect a vegetable packing facility just once a year. In 1972, the FDA inspected 50,000 farms and plants, by 2006, that number had dropped to only 10,000.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-74427224672718830672008-07-05T03:03:00.001+08:002008-07-05T03:05:01.127+08:00

Manure, runoff, and wild animals. Livestock, especially when kept it large numbers in confined spaces, can contract salmonella with showing any symptoms. The bacteria is passed through waste, which is then used as fertilizer for produce. Another possibility is contaminated water that farmer's use for irrigation. The only tomato that's safe? Those that are still on the vine, since their skin

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-21904207460702413662008-07-02T01:53:00.002+08:002008-07-02T01:55:38.073+08:00

The best habit you can get into to prevent early aging, skin irritation, adult acne, and fine lines? Sunscreen, all day, every day. Avoid the sun during high intensity hours. Rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing; dark colors in tightly woven fabrics are the best protection from UV rays. Wear an SPF of 15 or more and reapply every two hours for best

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-45369743609963604982008-06-28T02:20:00.000+08:002008-06-28T02:23:07.499+08:00

Pineapple Eat fresh pineapple to your heart's content; the tough skin protects the fruit from any pesticide residue. Give the pineapple a good rinse before cutting; otherwise, residue can follow the knife into the fruit. Although it's tempting, this is one fruit you won't want to choose with a strong, sweet smell. This usually means it's overripe and fermenting. Avoid any soft spots or

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-38955918102857207222008-06-26T12:01:00.000+08:002008-06-26T12:02:15.583+08:00

Papaya Pesticide residue does stay on papaya skin, but with a good wash, this fruit is great for eating. Look for fruit that is slightly soft and shows no signs of bruising or shriveling. If they're not fully ripened, a brown paper bag for a few days does the trick. Once ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-39386292459748787552008-06-25T11:38:00.000+08:002008-06-25T11:39:28.948+08:00

Onions Onions don't face as many threats to pests as other vegetables, so therefore, they require less spraying. When choosing onions, look for fruit that is firm and has that distinctive "oniony" smell, but isn't too overpowering. Make sure there are no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or the refridgerator.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-39727859552895490792008-06-22T10:13:00.002+08:002008-06-22T10:15:02.012+08:00

Mango Mango is protected by its thick skin from any pesticides that are sprayed on the fruit, though rinse before cutting open. When choosing mango, look for fruit that is bright in color and has a sweet, fruity smell; if it doesn’t have that smell, steer clear. Mangos should be slightly firm, but yield to the touch. Generally speaking, the softer the mango, the sweeter the fruit, but

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-19014641330983819002008-06-20T05:37:00.001+08:002008-06-20T05:39:06.283+08:00

Kiwi The peel of the kiwi provides a barrier from any pesticides used in the production. Look for fruit that smells good. Kiwi should be plump and yield to a squeeze. Avoid fruit that has moist areas or any bruising on the skin. If unripe is all that is available, take them home and place them in a paper bag. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-52572640984269349302008-06-18T03:11:00.000+08:002008-06-18T03:12:45.451+08:00

Cabbage Cabbage doesn't require much in the way of spraying to grow it, so it doesn't contain as many pesticides. Look for cabbage heads with tight leaves (the exception is savoy; its leaves are loose and crinkly naturally), and the head is heavy and firm. The outer leaves should be shiny and crisp and avoid leaves that show signs of yellowing. Discard the outer leaves before use and

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-53014411694945025632008-06-14T03:33:00.001+08:002008-06-18T03:12:52.327+08:00

Broccoli Conventionally grown broccoli doesn’t retain as much pesticides because the crop faces fewer threats, which means less pesticides are used. When choosing broccoli, look for tightly bunched flower buds that haven't yet opened. The broccoli should be a deep green in color and the stalks firm and not rubbery. Wash in a cool water bath before use. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-25194611720697212302008-06-13T07:07:00.002+08:002008-06-13T07:08:32.922+08:00

Bananas All pesticides remain on the peel of the fruit, which isn't eaten. Choosing: A pale yellow peel with green tips is tart and great for frying or pie. When mostly yellow, the pulp will be firmer and still good for pies and tarts. The last stage is a deep yellow with brown spots; this is the sweetest for eating. Store at room temperature or ripen in a brown bag.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-21065266178153260972008-06-12T03:28:00.001+08:002008-06-12T03:29:58.679+08:00

Avocados Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up. Look for fruit that's still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely in a few days sitting on the kitchen counter. Store at room temperature and give them a rinse before cutting them open.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-79888852233102088052008-06-07T07:37:00.002+08:002008-06-07T07:40:38.225+08:00

Worried that all those organic foods will break the bank? Here are some you don’t have to worry about. Asparagus Asparagus face fewer threats from pests and insects or disease, so fewer pesticides are needed to grow them. Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips. Store them in your crisper or upright in a shallow bowl of water.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-53477877061759110722008-06-06T09:20:00.002+08:002008-06-06T09:20:48.442+08:00

Our last choice to always buy organic? The tomato. It's delicate, easily punctured skin is no match for the average 30 different pesticides used in its conventional growth, all of which will eventually permeate the whole fruit. If you can't find organic, opt for green peas, broccoli and asparagus.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-74731453008839305112008-06-04T08:00:00.002+08:002008-06-04T08:01:31.096+08:00

America's most popular side dish, the spud, ranks highest for pesticide residue and may also contain fungicides that are added to the soil for growing; that all too paper-thin skin does nothing to protect the vegetable. If you can't find organic, some safer alternatives are eggplant, cabbage and earthy mushrooms.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-44769504096666729302008-05-23T13:02:00.002+08:002008-05-23T13:03:36.333+08:00

Imported grapes are almost always at a greater risk of contamination than those domestically grown. Vineyards can be sprayed with up to 35 different pesticides and no amount of washing or peeling can eliminate contamination because of the grape's permeable thin skin. Safer alternatives include blueberries, kiwi and raspberries.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-6495703766812060362008-05-22T12:33:00.004+08:002008-05-22T12:35:07.012+08:00

Unless you can find organic, avoid those leafy greens all together. Lettuce and its leafy relatives are frequently contaminated with what are considered to be the most potent pesticides on food. If you can't find organic try cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-78136048824441793462008-05-20T12:22:00.002+08:002008-05-20T12:23:41.915+08:00

Make sure the berries you're buying are organic; the average conventionally farmed strawberry receives a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre. Buying these sweet berries out of season also means that they're most likely imported from other countries with less stringent regulations. If you can't find organic, some safer alternatives are blueberries, kiwi and pineapples.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-85772339771235090532008-05-17T13:02:00.000+08:002008-05-19T13:11:29.115+08:00

Celery is one vegetable to stay away from unless it’s grown organic. The stalks have no protective layer of skin. That means it's virtually impossible to wash off the twenty-nine different chemicals used to grow this veggie. If you're unable to find organic, some safer alternatives are broccoli, radishes and onions.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-79522318556499114072008-05-14T00:00:00.000+08:002008-05-14T05:46:35.394+08:00

Bell peppers have a very delicate skin that doesn't offer much of a barrier against the pesticides commonly used. Peppers are actually one of the most heavily sprayed vegetables, often coated with more than 40 pesticides meant to keep them insect-free. If you can't find organic, some safer alternatives are green peas, broccoli and cabbage.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-37494718108523330402008-05-13T12:00:00.003+08:002008-05-13T12:02:04.069+08:00

Scrubbing and peeling the skin of fruit doesn't necessarily eliminate the chemical residue, so it's best to play it safe and buy organic apples. Organic apples tend to taste much sweeter than those conventionally grown anyway. If you can't find organic apples, some safer options are watermelons, bananas and tangerines.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-67483117225851222702008-05-09T12:00:00.002+08:002008-05-09T12:08:31.161+08:00

Prepare to be astounded: forty-five different pesticides are regularly applied to these delicate-skinned fruits at conventional orchards. If you can't find organic peaches, avoid them all together and opt for a safer alternative such as watermelon, tangerines, oranges and grapefruit.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-48568166647913384042008-05-08T04:41:00.002+08:002008-05-08T04:43:39.769+08:00

Unfortunately, most beans are harvested in countries that have no regulations on chemicals or pesticides at all. Look for the Fair Trade Certified seal on your package or can. This means that not only were the plants grown chemical and pesticide free, but also that fair prices were paid for the end product, helping support both the farm and its workers.

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-8709538829362843152008-05-06T03:28:00.001+08:002008-05-06T03:30:11.960+08:00

The fat in dairy products is a haven for pesticides, antibiotics and bovine growth hormones. This means that everything commercial farmers give their cows to grow big and produce lots of milk, you too are ingesting. Some studies suggest that the growth hormones in milk are causing teen girls to menstruate earlier and earlier. Always go organic when it comes to milk, cheese and butter; the cows

Adesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11029354.post-81840008151617696792008-05-04T00:00:00.000+08:002008-05-04T00:00:00.454+08:00

While your local market may carry organic meat options, I've found that the health food store is often the best choice. Once you try organic meats, you'll find that seasoning beyond the standard salt and pepper just isn't necessary, the natural flavors of the meat are delicious enough on their own!

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