(First in a series of articles about “The Dirty Dozen”, a reference to the twelve most contaminated foods by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization comprised of scientists and engineers.)

According to researchers at Iowa State University, that lovely looking apple you are thinking about eating is one of the most pesticide intensive crops grown in the United States. During the growing season, apple growers spray the trees with pesticides multiple times. When the Environmental Working Group tested conventionally grown apples, they discovered as many as 36 pesticides on the apples. The pesticides that were detected have been linked to damages to the human reproductive system, damages to the brain and nervous system, including decreased intelligence and increased attention problems in children, and damages to the immune system. Johnny Appleseed would be shocked.

Since apples are the second most popular eaten fruit and apple juice is the second most popular juice, conventionally grown apples have become a serious source of pesticide exposure for people. The established safe limits of pesticide residues may be safe for an adult male but can be toxic for children and pregnant women. Peeling the apple won’t solve the pesticide problem. Pesticides penetrate. Besides, the pectin concentrated in the apple skin is what flushes toxins from the body and lowers cholesterol. Why add more toxins to the body that the pectin can’t handle? Don’t. Eat organically grown apples.

Studies from Britain and France reveal organic apples have greater concentrations of nutrients believe to protect the body against heart attacks and cancer-causing chemicals. Organic apples are powerhouses when it comes to containing antioxidants. Cornell University researchers concluded that apple consumption could be an effective strategy for cancer prevention. In fact, the phytonutrients (compounds derived from plants that have an incredible ability to fight diseases) in organic apples may actually reduce breast tumors.

So, go ahead. If it’s organic, eat it. That old adage may become popular again: an organic apple a day will keep the doctor away.



A recipe for Apple-Oat Squares can be found in the newly published book, “Organic for Health” by Sandy Powers. Visit Sandy at http://www.organicforhealthsite.com