Choose Safer Sides this Thanksgiving!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are ready to head home to be reunited with our loved ones. This marvelous holiday is all about family, togetherness, and lots of food! But before we sit and chow down, we need to be aware of what residues may be lurking on our plates.
Many of fruits and vegetables we typically consume at Thanksgiving are coated with toxic pesticides, some of which are endocrine disruptors as well as possible carcinogens. Here is the breakdown of the residues the USDA Pesticide Data Program found on many of our holiday favorites that may pose potential harm:
• Cranberries: A total of 13 pesticides, 3 of which are known or probable carcinogens, 6 are suspected hormone disruptors, 5 are neurotoxins, and one that is a reproductive toxin.
• Potatoes: A total of 37 pesticides, 7 of which are known or probable carcinogens, 12 are suspected hormone disruptors, 9 are neurotoxins, and 6 reproductive toxins.
• Green beans: Total of 44 pesticide residues on green beans, 8 of which are known of probable carcinogens, 22 suspected hormone disruptors, 11 neurotoxins, and 8 reproductive toxins.
• Winter Squash: Total of 28 pesticides, 9 of which are known of probable carcinogens, 15suspected hormone disruptors, 4 neurotoxins, and 6 reproductive toxins.
• Stuffing: Vegetable additives for a traditional stuffing recipe are onions and celery. Celery has a total of 64 pesticide residues, 13 of which are known or probable carcinogens, 31 are suspected hormone disruptors, 12 neurotoxins, and 14 reproductive toxins. Onions, on the other hand, were found to be exceptionally safe, showing only one pesticide residue that does not pose potential harm.
Although these numbers are rather scary, there is some good news! These toxic chemicals can be avoided by choosing the safer alternative – organic fruits and vegetables. We have a voice as consumers to demand safer options, so choose organic crops for your Thanksgiving meal to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected.
