Let’s get back to the question from yesterday…
Q: “Why should we be concerned with pesticides and their toxicity?”
I searched through the Environmental Working Group website and found the answer!
A: Pesticides are designed to be toxic and kill pests such as insects, fungus, rodents, and plants. And as recognized by the United States and international government agencies, many different pesticides have been linked to various health problems, including:
brain and nervous system toxicity
cancer
hormone disruption
skin, eye, and lung irritation
But, do we TRULY know ENOUGH about what commercial pesticides DO to humans??
Sadly, NO! Pesticide and produce trade companies publicize that no studies have linked pesticide residues in the diet to specific health risks. Furthermore, the EWG states that the U.S. government, unfortunately, has not conducted enough studies to prove links between pesticides on our food and the health risks that come. On the other hand, however, there is still a lot of evidence indicating that pesticides harm workers, impact the environment, and are toxic to lab animals.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, sets pesticide standards that allow a sufficient margin of safety between human exposures and chemicals known to be harmful and/or risky. But because of the differences in lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors contributing to disease, it is hard to identify the exact HUMAN health risks from pesticides in our food.
Well at least my bestie, Astrid, makes DELICIOUS smoothies using almost all ORGANIC fruits!!! Here's her simple and yet amazing recipe: a few organic strawberries, half a banana, tons of organic blueberries and blackberries, with a touch of plain yogurt! Fortunately this scrumptious smoothie doesn't use crushed up insects for the coloring.... which is more than I can say for the old Starbucks Strawberries and Creme Frap... more on that later!!!
