by Edwin Krales, MS, CDN
Nutritionist/Outreach Coordinator, The Momentum Project
Adjunct Professor of Nutrition, Hunter College

Question: Is it better for your health to eat fruits and vegetables that may contain chemical residues than to forgo them in an effort to reduce the intake of those residues? The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, but . . .

People living in the U.S. don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. There is very little argument about that. Cancer, idiopathic gastro-intestinal disorders, heart disease and hypertension -- to name a few of the heavy hitters -- all have strong links to our poor dietary habits. We don't need more reasons to avoid eating fruits and vegetables. What's the alternative, another cheeseburger and french fries? They probably have chemical residues from their growth and production.

So we must stop thinking about foods as being either completely free of pollutants or as toxic waste dumps. Instead, the goal should be one of reducing the amount of unwanted chemicals that we take into our bodies daily. Since we know that the "cide" family (herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.) does not appear on our food pyramid, our goal should be to eliminate the "cides" rather than eliminate the fruits and vegetables that help keep us healthy. How do we do that? I thought you'd never ask.

WASH EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU EAT IT
This advice holds true no matter how the produce was grown. For example, if you go to a farmers' market in a large urban area and buy organically grown carrots that have been displayed on a stand in the street for several hours, don't eat one on the way home. Think of the buses that have been going by for the past few hours, belching exhaust, driving over dirt and debris and throwing into the air all manner of urban dust that settles on your beautiful organic carrots. Pollutants don't always originate at the point of production. Handling, distribution and display can add unwanted garnishes to your foods.

BUY ORGANICALLY GROWN PRODUCE WHENEVER YOU CAN AFFORD IT
There is no reason for organic produce to be more expensive than conventionally grown crops, but that is a discussion for another day. The reason to buy organic is to get produce that is grown without chemical fertilizers or sprays of any kind. But how can you tell whether or not you are buying the real McCoy? You have to buy from a reputable farmer who has a certified organic farm. Develop a personal relationship with him or her. Don't be afraid to ask for verification.

BUY PRODUCE THAT IS GROWN IN THE U.S.
We have a curious law in our country. Agricultural chemicals that are banned in the U.S. because they are dangerous to eat are allowed to be exported to other countries. These chemicals are used on agricultural products that are then imported back into our country. Since only about 1% of the produce imported into our country is ever inspected (the FDA doesn't have the work force), the potential for illness exists.

PEELING
Peels are wonderful. They are our planet's original protective packaging on our planet. As long as the peel is not broken, its contents will be protected and as clean as possible. We are used to peeling bananas, citrus fruits, and avocados. We never eat cantaloupe or honeydew rinds, and we frequently peel potatoes and carrots. We have to peel the cucumbers that we buy in supermarkets because it's difficult, if not impossible, to wash the wax from these non-organic varieties. Organic cukes can be washed, preferably with a vegetable brush, and eaten peel and all. We can also peel apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, and other fruits. Broccoli stalks can be peeled and the outer leaves from cabbage, brussel sprouts and some lettuces can be peeled off. Use your imagination. There are veggies out there dying to be peeled.

STEAMING
Okay, you've peeled or scrubbed your vegetables with a brush. Now what? Steaming in an inexpensive, stainless steel vegetable steamer is the best way to cook them. The steamer holds the item to be cooked above the water. As the steam cooks the food, evaporation collects on the surface of the produce and drips back into the pot, carrying with it whatever "cide" or natural bug that you don't want to eat. When you are finished cooking throw out the pot liquor and enjoy your steam-cleaned produce.

USE A STRAINER TO WASH THE SMALL PIECES
Peas, cherries, beans and berries are best washed in a strainer that nests in a pot. Fill the pot with water and dip the strainer up and down a few times. Let the strainer drain for a few minutes and then place it in a bowl that you can cover. Don't leave washed food around to collect dust. The "cides" are everywhere.

REMEMBER, EAT YOUR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS EVERY DAY
The "cides" you may be eating will do far less damage when you are eating lots of plants. Your body is better able to handle the insults that it encounters every day when it is well nourished. The vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that we need in order to be well nourished are only available to us in fruits and vegetables. No pills, supplements, or magic formulas, can take the place of eating fruits and vegetables. Your mother was right. No dessert until you eat your bananas and green beans!