We have always been advised to consume natural foods, but not all are as safe as they claim to be.

Many nutritious food options are available, from delicious fruits to crispy vegetables. However, many are treated with chemicals and pesticides, which goes against eating a healthy meal. While pesticides and herbicides are intended to prolong the shelf life of produce, it’s important to consider whether they are safe for consumption.

It’s crucial to be aware of foods that appear natural but are actually packed with chemicals to make informed decisions.

Kale 

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Kale is another leafy green marred with modern-day chemicals to make something that is supposed to be filled with vitamins and minerals that are harmful to consume. Even if you wash kale thoroughly, the pesticides and chemicals don’t wash away easily. 

Fish

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Since we’ve polluted our water, this is karma getting back to us. Fish absorb many contaminants from the water. When these fish are caught and cooked, they transfer them to us, which can have detrimental side effects. This is especially true for those fish that reside in deeper waters since chemicals tend to sink to the bottom more. 

Grapes

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According to the Guardian, grapes have some of the highest levels of contaminants, with 87.2% of the tested sample having a cocktail of chemicals. These chemicals have very terrible adverse effects on humans, with links to numerous diseases and health-related problems. 

Strawberries

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The delicious and juicy strawberry you love to snack on is loaded with chemicals to keep it looking fresh. But this isn’t limited to fresh produce; even frozen strawberries imported into the States have a ton of chemicals that might be causing more harm than good. 

Peaches

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Peaches are known for their antioxidants, which have anticancer properties, making them great for your health. But they’re laced with a ton of pesticides that should be avoided. If you’re not growing your fruits in your backyard, thoroughly wash them before you start snacking. 

Spinach

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According to Foodwise, conventionally grown spinach may contain toxic chemicals used by humans to protect it from pests and disease. Spinach tends to absorb many of these pesticides from the soil, making it even more prone to being loaded with them. 

Apples

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The good old crunchy apple is another common fruit laden with chemicals and pesticides. Apples are more susceptible to bugs and pests, so more chemical treatment is required to keep them safe. This also means that you’re going to be consuming more of them. Yikes. 

Pears

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According to the EWG Report, 61 percent of the pears have five or more pesticides, while 95 percent of samples had at least one pesticide. This alarming rate of chemicals being used must be addressed to ensure the safety of people consuming them. 

Nectarines

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EWG’s Dirty Dozen list stated that 94% of nectarines have trace residues of pesticides that are harmful to humans. You might enjoy your healthy fruit salad, but you never know what is hidden inside it. While they’re supposed to be packed with vitamin C and other minerals, what’s the use if you’re consuming chemicals that are toxic to you with them?

Packaged Granola

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Granola is generally marketed as a healthy food to eat for breakfast that adds a lot of nutritional value to your diet. However, packaged granola is filled with added preservatives, sugars, and chemicals that aren’t often discussed. Instead of getting it store-bought, making your own might be a much better way to enjoy it. 

Green Beans

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Green Beans are susceptible to many forms of pests, one of the most common being the acephate pesticides. This is why more pesticides are required to protect them. With chemicals in the soil and on the beans themselves, they’re unfit for consumption. 

Cherries

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The same report by EWG detected an average of five pesticide residues on cherries, including a pesticide called iprodione that has been banned in Europe! If it’s prohibited in a significant portion of the world, should we be using it, and is it a safety hazard more than a healthy food option?

Blueberries

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Another fruit that is laced with all sorts of chemicals is good old blueberries. These little bundles of sugar have pesticides that are linked with a lower sperm count, heart disease, cancer, and other disorders. Even farmers who are in contact with it are at a high risk. 

Bell Peppers

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According to NIH, pepper plants have many fungal diseases, such as anthracnose and blossom end rot. These can cause symptoms such as leaf and fruit discoloration and wilting. This makes them a prime candidate for chemical-rich pesticides that aren’t cleaned properly and end up in grocery stores for local civilians to buy. 

Cucumber

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Even cucumbers aren’t safe from chemicals. These pesticides can cause poisoning, which results in symptoms like nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, anxiety, and confusion. Looking into the proper way to get rid of these nasty insecticides is ideal. 

15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today

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The scent of a family meal cooking can bring back memories, especially if it’s a childhood favorite we don’t often have as adults. This article showcases 18 classic dinners that provided convenience and budget-friendliness for parents and are worthy of a revival. These traditional dinners from the past trigger nostalgic memories and are worth rediscovering.

15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today

18 of the Unhealthiest Cereals You Can Buy

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Cereal is a common breakfast option enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content of different cereals, as some can be high in sugar and fat, which may not align with your health goals. To help you make informed choices for your family, we have compiled a list of the 18 unhealthiest cereals to avoid.

18 of the Unhealthiest Cereals You Can Buy

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