Health, Wellness & Wellbeing

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Comment by Tyrone T Dancy on July 5, 2009 at 9:25pm

Value your own opinion more, and others' opinions less.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Whatever anyone else says or does, their words and their actions are truly about themselves. Don't take it personally when they rant, even if they direct their unhappiness in your direction.

While I appreciate how unpleasant it is to have others making unreasonable demands of you, it may help to remind yourself that it's not personal. Others are often 100% focused on their own issues and their own perceived needs. They project their frustration out into the mirror of life. When they look into that mirror, they think they are seeing your face, but in reality, they are seeing their own emotions.

Remember to love yourself and to take time for yourself.

Comment by Adisa Franklin on January 31, 2009 at 1:19pm

Greetings Sis. Dorothy,
Thanks for this very informative post. I have copied the list and plan to take it with me when shopping until I have memorized the data.

Comment by Sis Dorothy on August 29, 2008 at 10:45pm

In addition, many of the foods sold in supermarkets contain carcinogens in the form of pesticides, fungicides, and residue of toxic metals. Of course, we all know that it is best to buy organic or to grow your own vegetables. But not everyone has land on which to grow an organic garden, and organic foods are not always available where people live and shop. If persons must purchase foods that are not organic, it is useful to know which vegetables are most likely to contain toxic residue and which other vegetables are less likely to contain them. The following list was published in "Vegetarian Times." It catalogues the most and least likely non-orgnically grown vegetables to contain carcinogens.

1. The following vegetables and fruits, when grown by "conventional" methods have HIGH LEVELS of pesticide, fungicide and chemical residues. Only ORGANICALLY grown versions of these foods are the only safe way to eat them.

Beets: All thin-skinned vegetables that grow underground can absorb pesticides and heavy metals.

Bell Peppers: Conventionally grown peppers are highly likely to contain multiple pesticide residues.

Carrots: are so good at absorbing heavy metals from the soil that they are sometimes grown as a throw-away crop to rid a field of lead or arsenic contamination.

Celery: is the vegetable most likely to contain pesticide residues. 82% of samples have tested positive.

Salad greens (lettuce, collard greens, swiss chard, spinach, etc.): grow close to the ground and tend to have high levels of pesticide residue.

Cucumbers: Highly toxic organophosphate pesticides are used on conventionally grown cucumbers.

Apple, Apricot, Pear, and Cherry Trees: are sprayed as much as 10 times in a growing season with multiple pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals.

Grapes: may be fumigated with highly toxic methyl bromide. Non-organically grown grapes should not be fed to children.

Raspberries and Strawberries: are highly likely to contain pesticide and fungicide residues.

2. The following vegetables and fruits are usually grown withOUT the use of pesticides and fungicides, even in non-organic farming:

Asparagus: does not appeal to bugs and therefore does not need pesticides.

Avocados: Even if pesticides are used on avocado trees, the thick skin, which is not eaten, acts as a barrier to the absorption of the chemical into the flesh. Before cutting into an avocado that is not organically grown, wash the whole avocado under running water to remove any surface residue and prevent it from entering the fruit when it is cut.

Sweet corn: Although corn seed is often dusted with fungicide, and the plant is sprayed with pesticide when it is young, the developing corn within its husk does not absorb pesticides. Remove the husk before cooking.

Eggplant: rarely is sprayed with pesticide and if occasionally sprayed, the pesticide that is used on eggplant is minimally toxic and is not absorbed into the fruit. Wash it well before using.

Garlic and Bulb Onions: have natural pest control and are not sprayed. However, Green Onions are sometimes sprayed with pesticides.

Rhubarb: is not sprayed. The leaves of rhubarb are toxic to pests, animals, and humans. Only the stalks of rhubarb are eaten. They are toxin free.

Sweet Potatoes: Pesticides do not work on this crop, and are not used.

Zucchini: does not tolerate pesticides. It is a fast growing fruit and is usually picked before bugs have a chance to attack it. Still, it should be washed before use.

Cashews and Macadamia Nuts: are grown almost exclusively in tropical locations where pesticides are rarely used.

Beans: Although green beans are sprayed with pesticides, dried beans are removed from the husks and have minimal pesticide residue. Before being used, they are usually washed and soaked. Throw away the soaking water and rinse them again before cooking them.

Blueberries: have few pests and are seldom sprayed as strawberries and raspberries are.

Bananas: Pesticides are seldom used on this crop and in places where pesticides are used, the use is minimal and the thick skin prevents absorbtion into the interior of the fruit.

Watermelon: Pesticides do not work on this crop and are used sparingly. If any pesticide is used, it remains on the exterior skin and is not absorbed into the fruit. Do not use the rind.

Mangoes: are grown without pesticides. In locations where it grows, it is such a prolific crop that use of pesticide is not necessary to obtain an abundance of this fruit.

Citrus Fruit: Although citrus fruit trees are sprayed with pesticides, the thick skin of the fruit prevents its absorption into the fruit. If citrus fruit peel is wanted for a recipe, buy organic. Also, beware that orange juice and grapefruit juice is squeezed with the skin; therefore buy only organic juice.

3. If in doubt about any vegetable or fruit not listed above, buy organically grown.