More research is coming out against the widespread use of pesticides. In a recent study published by McMaster University, researchers discovered that chlorpyrifos, which is banned for use on foods in Canada but widely sprayed on fruits and vegetables in many other parts of the world, slows down the burning of calories in the brown adipose tissue of mice. Reducing this burning of calories, a process known as diet-induced thermogenesis, causes the body to store these extra calories, promoting obesity. Scientists made the discovery after studying 34 commonly used pesticides and herbicides in brown fat cells and testing the effects of chlorpyrifos in mice fed high calorie diets.
My take? Mice studies can offer some insight into the complex problem of obesity in humans. However, we have to balance this out with practicality. Everything can be potentially harmful in specific doses. Read this if you don’t believe me! Thought organic fruits and vegetables are less toxic and use fewer pesticides than non-organic, you don’t have to buy everything organic (and in some cases it’s a complete waste of money!). These 12 foods should be bought organic because of their propensity to soak up pesticides in their skin, flesh, and leaves:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Graps
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
Outsides of these foods, you should be in the clear!
Looking for some extra help in your diet? Stuck on which foods you should or shouldn’t be buying? I’m here to help! Click the link below to get started!