Ward Off Various Cancers with Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants, Photo: kthread, Flickr

Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants

The following are some of the more popular Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants widely available for purchase in farmer markets but can also be grown in backyard gardens without much gardening experience or expensive tools:

• arugula
• bok choy
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbages
• cauliflower
• collards
• horseradish
• kale
• kohlrabi
• mizuna
• mustard greens
• radish
• rapini
• rutabaga
• turnip
• watercress

Isothiocyanates in Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants

According to the recent study by Georgetown University, consumption of broccoli and/or related Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants can supply bodies with Isothiocyanates, substances found capable of halting the mutation process of gene known as p53. Isothiocyanates, which can be found in broccoli and other veggies of the same botanical family act as protectors of gene p53 and p53 is a gene that defends cells against cancer by keeping them healthy and preventing them from becoming abnormal or cancerous. In other words, gene p53 is a tumor suppressant which when defective, could fail to prevent healthy cells from mutating and becoming cancerous. But as the findings by Georgetown University suggest, p53 can be protected by consumption of Isothiocyanates rich veggies, such as broccoli or other Cruciferous Vegetables or Brassica Plants which could greatly assist in prevention and/or treatment of wide range of cancers.

Watercress and Cancer

In another recent study conducted by British scientists and researchers, the effect of watercress consumption on changes to DNA in both smokers and non smokers was assessed. The scientists found that watercress protected both groups from DNA mutations, but the benefits were more apparent among the subjects who smoked. In conclusion it was stated that smoking cessation is definitely an important cancer preventing step, however inclusion of veggies such as watercress in diet of smokers can greatly assist in strategies aimed at reduction of the risks of various cancers.

Watercress - Found to Prevent Cancers Caused by Tobacco Smoking, Photo: HealthAliciousNess

Variety for Broader Protection Against Cancer

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds which give Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants their distinctive aromas. Various glucosinolates are well known for their varying cancer fighting abilities which brings us to the conclusion of the article on the cancer preventing benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants – broccoli is a cancer fighting powerhouse, but by including a variety of veggies of the same family to your menu, you will be able to gain protection against a wider range of cancers.

Broccoli can prevent the spread of cancer cells, but watercress is very rich in a compound that can fight cell damage caused by tobacco. Other brassica plants appear to have the ability to ward off hormone related cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. A group of cruciferous veggies appears to be especially effective against cancers triggered by chemicals. All in all, to reap the maximum cancer fighting benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants, it’s best to eat a variety, instead of focusing on just one.

Granted, aside from their cancer fighting properties, Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, lutein, beta carotene and various other cartenoids which vary from one veggie to another. The type of fiber found in brassica veggies is known for its prebiotic effect, which helps to stimulate the growth of intestinal bacteria (good bacteria). People with healthy bacteria culture in their gut are more resilient to diseases (have stronger immunity), have cleaner, more radiant complexion and feel more energetic. These bacteria may also help to reduce bloating which is often associated with consumption of certain veggies known for excessive gas production.

So go ahead and add a variety of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants to your diet. The benefits of eating these go far beyond their proven cancer fighting properties. You’ll enjoy a fuller, healthier life and the best thing is – these veggies are inexpensive to buy and easy to grow for those of you who enjoy gardening.

Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Skin Cancer Alternative Treatment
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells
• Health Benefits of Garlic

BPA Free Plastics May Help Reduce Exposure to Carcinogenic Bisphenol A, Photo: thesoftlanding, Flickr

Studies have shown that exposure to BPA can cause prostate cancer, breast cancer, infertility, obesity and ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to the data provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as many as 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies. Canada has already declared Bisphenol A a toxic substance (toxic to human health and the environment) and banned its use in baby bottles (negative effects of BPA are more severe in early development stages). The European Union has followed suit, however no such ban exists in the United States (as of the beginning of 2011) though several states are considering various BPA bans.

The Food Packaging and Bisphenol A Study

According to the report released on March 30, 2011 by a nonprofit organization The Breast Cancer Fund and a breast cancer research group The Silent Spring Institute, exposure to Bisphenol A can be significantly reduced with simple dietary changes. The Breast Cancer Fund and the Silent Spring Institute conducted a study in which 5 families from San Francisco Bay were requested to eat canned foods, including microwaveable frozen foods and drink canned sodas for the period of 5 days and then spend 3 days eating organic meals stored in glass or stainless steel containers.

Each of the five families consisted of 4 family members, which included an adult male, an adult female and two children of both sexes. Ages of children ranged between 3 and 11 year old. Urine samples of each participants were collected every day and analyzed by experts. During the first 5 days of the study, each individual ate meals prepared outside their homes.

After the initial 5 days, the families switched to eating organic meals and fresh produce for 3 days. These were provided by a caterer who prepared them using BPA free packaging. The urine samples analyses showed that 3 days after switching to an organic diet without plastic packaging, the BPA levels decreased by more than 60% on average.

How Anyone Can Reduce Exposure to BPA Today

As was demonstrated by the Food Packaging and Bisphenol A Study, simple dietary changes can significantly decrease exposure to BPA in both adults and children. Switch to organic foods, start eating fresh organic produce and avoid premade, microwaveable, plastic packaged meals and you could remove the burden of BPA from your body very quickly. And as the levels of BPA in your body decrease, so do the chances of developing breast or pancreatic cancer. There is no better cure for cancer than prevention.

Further Reading:

• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• 13 Foods Full of Pesticides – Avoid or Buy Organic
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Low Pesticides Foods You Don’t Have to Buy Organic

Eat Broccoli to Detoxify Your Body Naturally, Photo: Яick Harris, Flickr

Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli

Broccoli contains three essential detoxifying nutrients:

• glucoraphanin
• gluconasturtiian
• glucobrassicin

The trio of the above mentioned nutrients which are naturally present in broccoli work in accord to neutralize and eliminate dangerous contaminants that accumulate in our bodies. Natural disposal of toxins leaves us feeling lighter and more able to cope with pressures of everyday lives.

Detoxification of most toxins requires a two phase process and luckily broccoli contains nutrients that support both phases.

• Detoxification Phase I – assisted through the glucosinolates that are naturally present in broccoli
• Detoxification Phase II – assisted through the sulforaphane content which is also naturally present in broccoli

Broccoli is a universal, all in one natural detoxification agent that’s inexpensive, widely available, tasty and has no side effects. Contrary, aside from its undisputed detox abilities, broccoli can assist in many other areas:

Relieve Asthma Symptoms with Broccoli

Sulforaphane – an essential naturally occurring chemical that assists with Phase II of the detoxification has the ability to increase the amount of active Phase II enzymes of the upper respiratory tract. These enzymes neutralize the harmful toxins that make it to our respiratory system through breathing of contaminated air we are exposed to on day to day basis. Neutralization of these harmful elements may have positive impact on people with respiratory conditions, such as those suffering from asthma.

Broccoli is Rich in Fiber

High fiber intake is beneficial on a number of accounts. For one, it delivers the feeling of being full, which can assist in weight loss programs through resistance to overfeeding but fiber is also yet another important element helping with natural detoxification.

Fiber has the ability to soak-up the toxins that make to our intestines (through contaminated, non organic, pesticides and antibiotics treated food, for example) and flush them out instead of allowing them to get reabsorbed back into our bodies, sickening our system.

Protect Against Diabetes Induced Tissue Damage with Broccoli

People suffering from diabetes face the threat of tissue damage caused by sharp glucose crystals which form in the blood and circulate inside our bodies, rupturing the cells they come in contact with. This free radical tissue damage can be combated with antioxidant protection from hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonol glycosides. Broccoli contains both of these naturally occurring compounds.

Broccoli is a Good Source of B Vitamins

B Vitamins are essential for a number of metabolic processes in the body. Proper production of energy, for example is dependent on adequate fat and carbohydrate metabolism reactions. These require B Vitamins to function properly.

Furthermore, oral contraceptives have been proven to greatly reduce the levels of B Vitamins circulating in the body. Women who are currently taking, or have taken the birth control pills in the past could benefit from broccoli consumption profusely.

Stop Replication of Colon Cancer Cells with Broccoli

The rich green color of broccoli is attributed to the compound known as chlorophyll. This same compound – chlorophyll – is an alkalizing agent with the ability to arrest the abnormal cycle of the cells, which can stop colon cancer cells from replicating.

Broccoli Soup Recipe Video

Check out the video with instructions on how to make a simple broccoli soup:

On top of all of the above mentioned health benefits of broccoli, this cruciferous vegetable is also one of the richest vegetable sources of magnesium, iron and calcium. Broccoli also contains a good amount of protein, good amount of vitamin A and more vitamin C than an orange. The 3,3′-Diindolylmethane found in broccoli is an immunity booster with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Make broccoli part of your diet, detoxify your body naturally and enjoy the many other health benefits it delivers.

Further Reading:

• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Colon Cancer Alternative Treatment
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells

Cancer Fighting Food #1: Citrus Fruit

Fight Cancer with Citrus, Photo: United States Department of Agriculture via Wikipedia

Oranges, lemons or grapefruits are all examples of citrus fruits. Citrus foods (any of them) have been found to have some of the strongest cancer fighting properties of all the widely available fruits. Citrus fruits contain molecules that negatively affect the process of tumor development but also reduce inflammation which is one of the reasons stimulation of tumor growth occurs.

Cancer Fighting Food #2: Cabbage Family Vegetables

Cancer Fighting Brocolli, Photo: churl, Flickr

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale are all examples of cruciferous vegetables belonging to the cabbage family. Compounds found in cabbage family veggies contain properties that stimulate body’s defence mechanisms against carcinogenic substances that can lead to the growth of tumors through damage to cell’s DNA.

Cancer Fighting Food #3: Tomatoes

Cancer Fighting Tomatoes, Photo: Stegano, Wikipedia

That tomatoes are relentless cancer fighters is a well known fact. The pigment that gives tomatoes their bright red color has shown positive results in prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Oddly enough, phytochemical benefits of tomatoes increase when the tomato is cooked. That’s not to say you’d draw no health benefits from eating raw tomatoes, however when eaten cooked, the health benefits, especially cancer fighting ones increase.

Cancer Fighting Food #4: Mushrooms

Cancer Fighting Shiitake Mushrooms, Photo: Eric Steinert, Wikipedia

Mashrooms that have their origins in Japan are specifically known for their cancer fighting properties. Shiitake, maitake, enokitake and oyster mushrooms contain immunostimulants in such large quantities, their consumption could improve body’s natural ability to respond to out of control reproduction of cancer cells. Mushrooms can be eaten raw or sliced up and added to a stir-fry.

Cancer Fighting Food #5: Soy

Soybean - Potent Cancer Fighter, Photo: CoolFox, Wikipedia

Phytoestrogens – one of the compounds found in soy and its derivatives – edamame, tofu, bean curd, roasted soy beans and miso soup have the ability to prevent estrogen from interacting with breast cells. The mammary glands get easily overstimulated when estrogen levels are too high and that increases the risk of breast cancer. Phytoestrogens get in the way of this process reducing the possibility of developing breast cancer.

If you have history of breast cancer, make sure you consult with your doctor first as high doses of soy may have undesired effects.

Cancer Fighting Food #6: Seaweed

Cancer Fighting Seaweed, Photo: Sifu Renka, Flickr

Considered one of the modern age superfoods, seaweed (marine algae) is a sole source of a pigment that boosts immunity and inhibits the growth of microtumors.

To buy seaweed, go to the grocers or pharmacies in China town area of your city. You can boil it or steam it and then add it to your vegetable salad.

Cancer Fighting Food #7: Herbs and Spices

Cancer Fighting Fennel, Photo: Howcheng, Wikipedia

Molecules found in thyme, ginger, chilli peppers, turmeric, cloves, mint and fennel reduce inflammation and inflammation creates environments in which cancer cells thrive.

Cancer Fighting Food #8: Garlic and Onions

Cancer Fighting Garlic, Photo: felipe_gabaldon, Flickr

That garlic is an all around beneficial food for your health is a no brainer. What is less known are garlic’s and onion’s ability to rid body of DNA mutating (cancer causing) substances and their ability to kill dormant microtumors. To release these cancer fighting properties, chop or crush your garlic and onion prior to consumption. More information about garlic can be found on the Health Benefits of Garlic page.

All of the above listed foods are known for their cancer fighting properties and are widely available in grocery stores near you. Take advantage of these cheap, natural cancer fighters and make them your natural chemotherapy every day.

Further Reading:

• Anti-Angiogenesis Foods – Agents That Fight Cancer Naturally
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Prostate Cancer Alternative Treatment – Latest Therapies
• Lung Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Diet and Cancer Prevention

Garlic - Cheap and Widely Available Medicine, Photo: Donovan Govan, Wikipedia

Garlic is a widely available and affordable superfood containing compounds that act as natural, powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents.

Garlic’s cancer fighting properties are believed to be linked to the combination of its properties, including:

• Antibacterial Properties
• Ability to Block the Formation of Cancer-Causing Substances
• Ability to Halt the Activation of Cancer-Causing Substances
• Ability to Enhance DNA Repair
• Ability to Reduce Cell Proliferation
• Ability to Induce Cell Death

Garlic and Heart Health

One of the main health benefits of garlic consumption is its positive effect on cardio-vascular system. Garlic has been found effective in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, but it’s also been found to prevent blood clots which could reduce the risk of heart attacks. Garlic is also a powerful, natural way to reduce bad blood cholesterol.

Garlic and Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute of the USA, studies of garlic suggested that its consumption as an alternative cancer therapy could reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, including the following:

• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Intestinal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

Garlic and Fungal Infections

In one of the earliest studies involving garlic, European researchers subjected 10 types of resilient bacteria and yeast to allicin – substance released when a garlic clove is crushed or sliced (it’s the same substance that gives it that offensive smell). Their findings proved that garlic was effective against each of them.

When it comes to yeast (fungal) infections, garlic is particularly effective as a natural remedy to Toe Nail Fungus (tinea pedis) or Candida Asbicans, which is a vaginal yeast infection.

Fun fact – garlic is so mean to the yeast, when bakers go to cook bread flavored with this fine ingredient, they wait until the dough has risen, otherwise the yeast would get killed by garlic before it gains volume.

Other Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has been found to have positive healing effects on people suffering from common illnesses, such as cold and flu and is a well trusted reliever of nasal congestion. Thanks to its immune system boosting properties, regular consumption of garlic can help keep a person in good health.

To take full advantage of garlic’s health benefits, chop it up 10 minutes before consumption. This will give your clove time to release enough active ingredients, such as allicin to make it really effective.

Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• Cancer Survival Rates
• Diet and Cancer Prevention
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer

This being said – it is recommended to eat organic food whenever possible. Aside from being good for your health, organic foods is also good for the Earth. It is essential to point out that “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean “100% pesticides free”. Produce of every kind is subject to fungal and/or mold deterioration but most of all – unless you have grown the produce organically yourself – all you have to work with when buying organic from the grocery store is someone’s pledge that the products you are purchasing truly are organic. Unfortunately, seals of approval as well as all other forms of certification can be purchased because people are easily corrupted by money.

Despite of all potential downfalls, conventional foods are more or less guaranteed to have gone through pesticide treatment whereas with organic foods you stand much better chance of eating healthy. Still, thanks to natural abilities of some foods to resist pests or to protect parts that we eat from outside agents, the foods from the list below would be generally safe even in non organic versions. Without further ado, this is the list of low pesticides foods you do not have to buy organic:

Onions

Onions are a perfect example of a food you don’t have to buy organic. Because few pests choose onions as their hosts, only few and only mild acting agents are used during pesticide spraying.

Onion - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Jon Sullivan, Wikipedia

Avocados

Thick skin wrapped around soft, edible parts prevents chemical build-up making non organic avocados a reasonably safe option.

Avocado - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Darwin Bell, Flickr

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn fields are heavily sprayed by the pesticides but little of the bad stuff makes it to the kernels. Various laboratory tests proved little chemical residue on the Sweet Corn kernels making it a reasonably safe food even in non organic form.

Sweet Corn - Low Pesticides Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: USDA, Wikipedia

Pineapple

Most chemical residue gets trapped in the skin of the Pineapples which gets peeled off before consumption. Remember to wash the fruit before you start peeling the skin off so you do not contaminate the juicy parts with the knife that was cutting through pesticide rich skin.

Pineapple - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, Wikipedia

Mango

Like Pineapples, Mangoes are protected by tough skin that gets peeled off to expose soft juicy part inside. Rinse your non organic Mangoes under running water to remove residue before cutting.

Mango - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Zeetz Jones, Flickr

Asparagus

Asparagus is not an attractive target for insects or vegetable diseases making it an easy veggie to grow. Because of that, there is no need to use many pesticides.

Asparagus - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: itsjustanalias, Flickr

Sweet Peas

Numerous tests proved that pesticide residues are near undetectable in samples of non organic Sweet Peas.

Sweet Peas - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Gaetan Lee, Wikipedia

Cabbage

Another vegetable that requires fewer pesticides because it’s not subjected to so many pests. It will grow nicely even without any chemicals involved.

Cabbage - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Biso, Wikipedia

Eggplant

As is the case with Sweet Peas, Environmental Working Group claims that traces of pesticides are undetectable in Eggplants. Thick skin wrapped around it surely does great job keeping the chemicals away from edible parts.

Eggplant - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: J.E. Fee, Wikipedia

Papaya

Papaya skin is thick and does great job protecting the edible fruit inside from pesticides. As with Pineapple, it is recommended you wash Papaya under running water prior to cutting to avoid contamination by residues found on fruit’s skin.

Papaya - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: love♡janine, Flickr

Watermelon

I assume you already know the answer to why pesticides don’t make it to the juicy parts of Watermelons. There is hardly any chemical that could make it past that rind.

Watermelon - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Steve Evans, Wikipedia

Broccoli

Broccoli doesn’t face many pest threats hence fewer pesticides are needed to grow it.

Broccoli - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Яick Harris, Flickr

Sweet Potato

Environmental Working Group retains that Sweet Potatoes are unlikely to get contaminated by pesticides and tests tend to prove the claim.

Sweet Potato - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: RaeA, Flickr

Unlikely Candidate – Kiwi

Kiwi is said to get less contaminated thanks to its skin that prevents absorption of chemicals. Because of this it technically should be included on the list of low pesticide foods you don’t have to buy organic but that would require peeling the skin before eating. If you are not aware, most of the nutrients as well as high doses of Vitamin C – one of the most potent antioxidants – are found directly under the skin of this fruit. By peeling skin off you strip the fruit off its most valuable nutrients. I strictly eat Kiwi with skin (and always organic) and I’d recommend everyone doing the same. Do not peel your Kiwis, but make sure you buy organic if you intend to eat it with the skin.

Kiwifruit - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Darrren Hester, Flickr

While list above contains foods that are reasonably safe even if non organic version is bought, you should keep in mind that organic foods are not only healthier for your body, they are also more sustainable for the planet. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown from seeds that were not genetically modified and no sewage based fertilizers or chemical pesticides were used during the course of growing. Farming soils likes that.

Furthermore, even though the foods on the list tested low for pesticide residues, various studies suggest that organic foods are richer in essential nutrient than their non organic versions. The reason we have published this list even though we openly recommend buying organic whenever possible, is because in today’s tough economic times it is not always possible to stick with often higher-priced organic foods. This way if you only buy organic foods which are known to be full of pesticides in non organic versions and stick with non organic when buying foods found on this list, it will make the cost of staying healthy more bearable. Remember – mother nature will thank you each time you buy organic.

Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• 13 Foods Full of Pesticides – Avoid or Buy Organic
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor

1. Peaches

Peaches are treated with multiple pesticides which get soaked right in due to fruit’s delicate skin. Pesticide levels found in non organic peaches are always frighteningly high. Buying non organic peaches means eating all of those chemicals. If you can’t find organic peaches in your area, opt for safer alternatives that are much more resistant to pesticide penetration, such as bananas, watermelons or tangerines.

Peaches, Photo: I Nancy, Flickr

2. Apples

Apples are regularly and frequently treated with chemical poisons to kill insects, fungi and other pests. These chemicals penetrate apples through the skin all the way to the core so washing or peeling won’t help. Apples are full of powerful antioxidants and vitamins most of which are found in the skin or directly under it. Peeling your fruit will strip away most of the beneficial properties apples deliver. Organic apples are widely available and are often sold for price comparable to their pesticide stuffed, non organic versions.

Apple, Photo: Fir0002, Wikipedia

3. Sweet Bell Peppers

Conventionally grown sweet bell peppers are frequently sprayed with heavy insecticides. Thin skin that covers these vegetables allows the pesticide the penetrate deeply into the tissue.

Sweet Bell Peppers, Photo: Kham Tran, Wikipedia

4. Celery

Conventional celery crops are always treated with pesticides but because no protective barrier exists on the surface of this vegetable, washing – regardless of how thorough cannot fully remove the harmful residue. Organic celery is widely available and often reasonably priced.

5. Nectarines

As many as 26 different pesticides are found on conventional nectarines after they have gone through laboratory examination. Many of these are harmful, often cancer promoting substances. Avoid non organic nectarines at all costs.

Nectarines, Photo: Thomas Hawk, Flickr

6. Strawberries

Use of pesticides on strawberries is somewhat regulated in western countries, but these either don’t exist or are not enforced in other countries that export this delicious fruit. Pesticide levels can be dangerously high and cannot be removed by washing. Look for organic strawberries instead.

Strawberry, Photo: David.Monniaux, Wikipedia

7. Cherries

Thin skin covering cherries allows for deep penetration by heavy pesticides. US grown cherries often show higher levels of pesticides than imported ones. Buy organic or avoid.

Cherries, Photo: atomicshark, Flickr

8. Pears

Pests feeding off of pears have become resilient to many pesticides so fruit is sprayed with more and more chemicals year after year. Organic is the only way to go.

Pear, Photo: suttonhoo, Flickr

9. Grapes

Vineyards are sprayed with a variety of pesticides throughout the growth process. Grapes get contaminated right down to the core making the elimination of poisons impossible. Imported grapes are far worse than domestic ones.

Grapes, Photo: miuenski, Flickr

10. Potatoes

Potatoes are sprayed with insecticides and grow in a soil regularly treated with fungicides. Exposure to many chemicals throughout the growth process suggests it’s safer to go with organic potatoes.

Potatoes, Photo: Scott Bauer, Wikipedia

11. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce) are sprayed with most potent pesticides used on food. Contamination is heavy and substances extremely harmful. Choose safer alternatives, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli or buy organic.

Romaine Lettuce, Photo: Rainer Zenz, Wikipedia

12. Carrots

Europe is in the process of banning the pesticides commonly used for treatment of carrots, onions and parsnips because of verifiably harmful effects. North America has not caught up to it yet so opt for safe, organic carrots instead.

Baby Carrots, Photo: ccharmon, Flickr

13. Tomatoes

Tomatoes vary in pesticides levels. Sometimes they are high, sometimes low. Perhaps it has something to do with better pesticides developed in recent years, however I would still steer away from conventional ones and go for organic tomatoes since they are widely available and have become more affordable.

Tomato, Photo: Darwin Bell, Flickr

Any organic food will be safer for you and your family than its non organic, conventional version. On top of fruits and vegetables, try to stick with organic meat. Animals that are not grown according to organic standards are fed with crops full of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, they are injected with growth hormones to make them grow large fast and with antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. The conditions in which these animals are raised are inhuman, often overcrowded and dirty. Organic meat often comes from free run animals that are not injected with chemicals and are fed with organically grown grains. To help your body stay healthy and cancer free, steer away from pesticide treated foods and buy organic. The cost of cancer treatment is far greater than extra bucks you may end up paying for organic versions of foods you eat every day. Is it really worth the risk?

Further Reading:

• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Low Pesticides Foods You Don’t Have to Buy Organic
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• Anti-Angiogenesis Foods – Agents That Fight Cancer Naturally