What vegetables have the most pesticides?
The benefits of green lettuce leaves no one in doubt. In general, it is so. The danger to humans is posed by pesticides that enter it during cultivation. First of all, this concerns kale cabbage.
Content:
- Why are the found pesticides dangerous for humans?
- Can I eat kale?
Why are the found pesticides dangerous for humans?
The American Environmental Working Group conducted an analysis that found that the kale samples tested contained traces of at least 5 pesticides. The plant was thoroughly washed before sampling. At least 2 pesticides were found in 90% of kale cabbage, and in the most contaminated of them - 18! [1]
Only those plants that grew in America were analyzed. However, there is reason to suspect that a similar situation will be observed in other countries of the world. Strawberries and spinach are on the list of dangerous foods.
Scientists do not undertake to draw specific conclusions. However, they indicate that certain pesticides increase the risk of developing cancers, diabetes mellitus, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children [2].
Kale was blacklisted because DCPA herbicides were found in 60% of the samples. This chemical has been used to control weeds since the 1950s. It is classified as a potential carcinogen. It was found that rodents fed foods containing DCPA were more likely to suffer from thyroid and liver cancers.
In addition, insecticides (bifenthrin and cypermethrin) were found in 30% of cabbage samples. They are also potential carcinogens. Their ingestion leads to headaches, nausea and neurological diseases.
Can I eat kale?
After learning about these results, many people may completely refuse to eat kale. Scientists say you need to include it in your diet. A negative effect on the body will be exerted only when a person eats greens in large quantities and constantly. In addition, mice participated in the experiment with horrific results. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated that the human body will suffer in the same way.
People who grow these vegetables and are constantly in contact with pesticides are more at risk.
It should be taken into account that kale contains 200% of the daily intake of vitamin A and 700% of the daily intake of vitamin K. It is rich in ascorbic acid, potassium, calcium and B vitamins. Therefore, it can and should be eaten. However, the vegetable must be washed thoroughly before eating. This will be enough for the product to bring benefits to the body, not harm.
Links to sources
- Just Released: EWG's 2019 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce ™
- Carcinogenicity of tetrachlorvinphos, parathion, malathion, diazinon, and glyphosate
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Moscow Peoples' Friendship University (2008).
