3/29/2007

Tomatoes, Peppers

From: http://www.elsonhaas.com/articles/article_02.html

Tomatoes & Sweet Peppers
These "fruits of the vine" are full of healthful nutrients that include
vitamin C, B-vitamins, carotenoids, and other phytonutrients, especially
the prostate-helpful and tissue-supporting lycopenes.

Both red and green bell peppers were found to have many pesticide
residues from the most neurotoxic of the pesticides. In the FDA's
measurement of both U.S. and Mexican crops, 64% of peppers contained at
least one pesticide, while 36% contained two or more. These vegetables
also may be waxed which makes it difficult to remove the residues and
other chemicals within the waxes. One study found that as many as 30
different pesticides are used to spray tomatoes.

Because the skins of tomatoes are thin and absorbent, and since this is
a staple in many salads, soups and sauces, tomatoes are worth buying
organically grown. At certain times of year, the price of organic plum
tomatoes is competitive with non-organic varieties. And farmer's markets
may be the best source of all for fresh unsprayed tomatoes, or better
yet, grow your own.

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