“Our findings have global implications and advance what we know about the sustainability benefits of organic farming systems,” John Reganold, Washington State University Regents professor of soil science and lead author of the study, which was just published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE, said in a media statement. “We also show you can have high quality, healthy produce without resorting to an arsenal of pesticides.”

The comprehensive study involved the analysis of 31 chemical and biological soil properties and soil DNA, as well as the taste, nutrition and quality of three strawberry varieties on 13 conventional fields and 13 organic ones.

The scientists discovered that organic strawberries had significantly higher antioxidant activity including much higher concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds (phytonutrients known to help protect and fight a host of disease). The organic strawberries also had a longer shelf life. What’s more, anonymous testers found organic strawberries looked and tasted better. The researchers also documented that organic soils excelled in important chemical and biological properties – including nitrogen, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and micronutrients.

The lead found in Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor Maximum Red was 34 times higher than the lead found in the lowest scoring lipstick, Avon’s Ultra Color Rich Cherry Jubilee.

The FDA does not regulate lead in finished cosmetics, only in colors added to the products.

Studies suggest the average woman inadvertently consumes about 4 pounds of lipstick over the course of her life, licking her lips, eating fruit, sipping tea.

Glosses generally tested lower for lead than highly pigmented, opaque lipsticks.

But the best are organic lipsticks.

Cruciferous vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collard, turnips, bok choy, kohlrabi, horse radish, and a few other vegetables.
Cruciferous vegetables are master detoxifiers. (1)

The cells in our body, especially in the liver, have “detoxification factories” in them called enzymes. These factories relentlessly work to process the things that can damage the body.
Cruciferous vegetables can speed up enzyme processing of toxic compounds. They make the body a more efficient detoxifier.

Also, cruciferous vegetables balance hormones in a favorable way (2) and help prevent various cancers.

A review of research published in the October 1996 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that 70% or more of the studies found a link between cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer.
Various components in cruciferous vegetables have been linked to lower cancer risks. Some have shown the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining (endometrium), lung, colon, liver, and cervix, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer.

Another way cruciferous vegetables may help to protect against cancer is by reducing oxidative stress.

Nutritional Benefits

It is best to eat these vegetables raw or only lightly steamed to retain the phytochemicals that make cruciferous vegetables special in terms of health.
Buy the organic ones for optimal benefits.

1. Murray M. Altered CYP expression and function in response to dietary factors: potential roles in disease pathogenesis. Curr Drug Metab. 2006;7:67-81.
2. Fowke JH, Longcope C, Hebert JR. Brassica vegetable consumption shifts estrogen metabolism in healthy postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2000;9:773-79.

Common growing practices make the crops shown on the left above and listed below the most likely to contain pesticide residues:

Try to buy these organic as much as you can!

1.Celery
2.Peaches
3.Strawberries
4.Apples
5.Blueberries (Domestic)
6.Nectarines
7.Sweet Bell Peppers
8.Spinach
9.Collard Greens/Kale
10.Cherries
11.Potatoes
12.Grapes (Imported)

These are the produce that, when grown conventionally, poses the least risk of exposure to pesticides:

1.Onions
2.Avocados
3.Sweet Corn
4.Pineapples
5.Mangos
6.Sweet Peas
7.Asparagus
8.Kiwi
9.Cabbage
10.Eggplant
11.Cantaloupe (Domestic)
12.Watermelon
13.Grapefruit
14.Sweet Potatoes
15.Honeydew Melon

To grow your own groceries, you don’t need to be so experienced, or have a huge backyard garden. These delicious plants require very little effort:

Basil: Chop it up and freeze it in an ice-cube tray, then stir the cubes into soup or other dishes.

Blueberries: Get an older bush which is ready to start producing.

Green beans: Green beans are easy to grow and easy to prepare.

Peppers: Try the spicy ones – they dry well.

Perennial herbs: Oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage are all good, easy perennials.

Salad greens: Lettuce can last throughout the summer. Plant it in a shady area.

Strawberries: You will not get enough to make jam, but you can have some for breakfast.

Tomatoes: Beginner gardeners should start with seedlings. Use stakes for support.

Also see: Indoor Garden in your Apartment