6 Deadly Pesticides Lurking In Your Salad Bowl

6 Deadly Pesticides Lurking In Your Salad Bowl

When it comes to fruits and veggies, we all know they're essential for a healthy diet.

But what about the pesticides lurking in them? According to Consumer Reports, about one in five of the produce they examined had concerning levels of pesticides.

In a thorough investigation, CR looked at 59 common fruits and vegetables.

From bell peppers to blueberries, they found some surprising culprits. Even green beans had traces of a pesticide that hasn't been allowed for over ten years. Yikes!

But don't panic just yet.

The data, collected over seven years from the Department of Agriculture, isn't all doom and gloom.

Most organic produce and nearly two-thirds of all items were clean as a whistle. So, there's still hope for your salad dreams!

Still, it's crucial to stay informed.

Health issues can arise from long-term exposure to pesticides, especially for pregnant women and kids.

James Rogers, a food safety expert at CR, recommends being picky about your produce. Opt for organic when possible, especially for high-risk items like blueberries. It's like putting on sunscreen before hitting the beach - a little extra protection goes a long way!

Now, let's dive into the dirty details of the worst offenders:

1. Blueberries: These tiny berries might pack a nutritional punch, but they also carry a hefty dose of phosmet, a pesticide that's no friend to kids.

CR recommends going organic for your berry fix to keep those pesky chemicals at bay.

2. Watermelon: While it's refreshing on a hot day, some watermelons come with a side of oxamyl, a pesticide that's far from safe. If you're worried about this sneaky chemical, swap your slice for some juicy cantaloupe instead.

Risky Veggies:

1. Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies might brighten up your plate, but almost half of them tested positive for oxamyl, a chemical with serious health risks.

Organic is the way to go here, or maybe just sprinkle them sparingly.

2. Potatoes: Who doesn't love a good spud? Well, almost all conventional potatoes come with a side of chlorpropham, a pesticide you definitely don't want on your plate. Sweet potatoes are a safer bet, plus they're packed with nutrition!

3. Green Beans: A staple in many dishes, green beans seem innocent enough, but some are hiding acephate, a banned pesticide. Opt for organic U.S.-grown beans or crunchy snow peas instead.

4. Kale and Mustard Greens: These leafy greens might be trendy, but conventionally grown ones often come with a mix of pesticides. Go organic to keep your greens clean and your conscience clear.

The folks at Business Insider have published these Five Healthy Habits Take Only 5 Minutes or Less and could Add Years to Your life. Who doesn't want to do that? Especially knowing that these can all be done in a short period of time and pay dividends for years to come.

An expert on longevity listed some quick daily habits that could add years to your life:  Habit stacking . . . micro-meditations . . . five-minute workouts . . . and taking a few minutes to check in on people you care about.

It almost sounds too good to be true, but this is really exciting news. You can do these simple things easily and fit them into your daily routine. How about all the long grueling workouts that we thought were necessary to achieve a better longevity? We are told that pain was gain and no sweat meant no good. Finding five minutes in your day to add these routines to your day could extend your lifespan by years.

The good news is, these 5 Healthy Habits that only take 5 minutes or less that could add years to your life are not just about physical activities. There's more to living a long life than just working out. You have to work on yourself in other ways to achieve these goals.

Part of the goal of living a longer life is to share with others. This doesn't mean you have to be married (although studies suggest that happy couples live longer than then their single friends on average), you can live a long healthy life as a happy single person too. What matters is you have a good social network of friends, family and co-workers. Being alone and or lonely is one of the markers for a  shorter lifespan. So, getting out and together with people is a very important and crucial part of extending your lifespan, and it's will make living longer more fun and worth living.

Starting a new habit is hard. But adding a new habit onto an existing one is easier. You could add mindfulness to your morning coffee routine, or practice gratitude as you brush your teeth.

 Checking in with yourself doesn't need to take long.  A simple technique is focusing on your breath as you inhale for a count of four . . . hold for a count of seven . . . and exhale for a count of eight.

Research shows even short bursts of regular exercise can help keep you young.  Take a break from work and do some squats or wall sits, or take a brisk walk.  It can improve your whole day.

Instead of scrolling aimlessly at night, reach out to a few people you care about.  Connecting with friends can raise your levels of the "feel-good" hormone oxytocin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

Having a sense of purpose is linked to a longer life.  So spend a few minutes a day thinking about what your passions are.  It can "not only add more years to your life, but more life to your years."