Trying to eat clean? It turns out some “natural” foods aren’t as pure as they seem. From fruits and veggies to packaged snacks, many contain hidden chemicals. Take a look at 12 foods that might be fooling you with their healthy facade.
Store-Bought Apple Juice
Even “natural” apple juice can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives. It often contains traces of pesticides from non-organic apples used in production.
Non-Organic Strawberries
Strawberries are notorious for pesticide residues. Non-organic varieties are often treated with multiple chemicals to prevent pests and extend shelf life.
Pre-Washed Bagged Salad
Convenient but questionable, pre-washed salads are often treated with chlorine washes and other preservatives to keep them fresh, exposing you to unnecessary chemicals.
Farm-Raised Salmon
Farm-raised salmon might sound healthy, but they’re often fed a diet laced with antibiotics and synthetic pigments to enhance their color, resulting in chemical-laden fish.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes can contain BPA from the can lining, which has been linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. The acidity of tomatoes can cause BPA to leach into the food.
Conventional Spinach
Spinach is a magnet for pesticides. Conventional spinach often carries high levels of chemical residues, making it less “natural” than it appears.
Packaged Granola
Marketed as a health food, packaged granola can be filled with added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Always check the labels to see what’s really inside.
Non-Organic Apples
Non-organic apples are among the most pesticide-contaminated fruits. They can be sprayed with multiple chemicals to ensure they stay pest-free and visually appealing.
Conventional Peaches
Peaches have delicate skins that absorb pesticides easily. Non-organic varieties often carry a heavy chemical load, even if they look fresh and juicy.
Imported Grapes
Grapes from abroad are often treated with pesticides and fungicides to survive long transportation. These chemicals can linger on the fruit, posing health risks.
Conventional Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are often doused in pesticides. Conventional varieties can carry residues of multiple chemicals, making them less “natural” than you might think.
Non-Organic Potatoes
Potatoes are often treated with pesticides and herbicides. Non-organic potatoes can absorb these chemicals from the soil, leaving residues that are difficult to wash off.
11 Hidden Dangers Of Artificial Sweeteners
Are artificial sweeteners really the guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet taste? While they might save on calories, they come with their own set of issues that could mess with your health. From headaches to heart health, we’re taking a closer look at what these sugar substitutes might be doing to your body. Keep reading to get the scoop on the hidden risks of artificial sweeteners and why you may want to avoid them.
Read it Here: 11 Hidden Dangers Of Artificial Sweeteners
10 Herbal Teas With Benefits Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You To Know About
Herbal teas have been a go-to for soothing sips for centuries, but there’s more to these brews than just comfort. Packed with powerful health benefits, each cup offers something special, from boosting your immune system to soothing your stomach. We’re spilling the tea on the top ten herbal infusions that might just make you rethink your medicine cabinet.
Read it Here: 10 Herbal Teas With Benefits Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You To Know About
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
