Live Well, Work Well | July 2021
EWG’s 2021 Dirty Dozen List Is Here
Nearly 70% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Every year, the EWG ranks pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, publishing the results in the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
Included in the report is a list of the most pesticide-tainted produce, which is known as the “Dirty Dozen.” For 2021, the following were on this list:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard and mustard greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Bell and hot peppers
Celery
Tomatoes
In addition to the Dirty Dozen, the EWG publishes the “Clean Fifteen,” highlighting the “cleanest” produce. For 2021, avocados and sweet corn topped the list.
To remove any pesticide residue, simply wash your fresh produce under running tap water for 30 seconds. If you’re still uneasy about pesticides, buy the frozen or canned versions of your favorite produce as an alternative option. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious for you, so find what works best for your household.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.
Only 1 in 10 adults eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Summer Picnic Safety Tips
One of the best ways to celebrate summer is to get outside and enjoy good food with friends and family. As nationwide COVID-19 cases decline, COVID-19 vaccination rates increase, and states relax their COVID-19 restrictions, picnics and barbecues will likely be a summertime staple this year.
However, if you aren’t careful about handling foods during these cookouts, you’re putting yourself and others at risk for potential food-related illnesses. Stay safe with these simple tips:
Wash cooking equipment, dishes and utensils between uses. Be sure to clean the grill’s surface after each use and to wash cutting boards that had raw meat on them.
Store all perishables in a cooler with ice on top, not just underneath. Use one cooler for drinks and another for food. Never eat anything that has been left out of a refrigerator or cooler for more than two hours.
Invest in a meat thermometer so you can make sure all meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Warmer temperatures require extra attention to food safety when cooking and eating outdoors. Visit FoodSafey.gov to learn more about food safety practices.
Pack the Perfect Picnic:
Whether you’re packing a basket for the park, a hike or your backyard, consider including these healthy and portable foods:
Fresh cheese
Cured meats
Vegetables
Hummus
Mason jar salads
Leave Your Shoes at the Door
You may be tracking disease-causing germs into your home if you regularly keep your shoes on inside. Research found that the outside of your shoes can be a carrier for viruses and bacteria, including E. coli.
Although this level of contamination is a low health threat for most healthy adults, you can reduce the unnecessary spread of germs in your living space by:
Taking off your shoes at the door
Washing your hands immediately if you removed your shoes with your hands
Cleaning your shoes according to the manufacturer’s instructions
In general, regardless if it’s your home or someone else’s place, it’s important to remove shoes if there are young children crawling on floors or people in the home whose immune systems are compromised. When in doubt, ask the host if you should take off your shoes.
Recipe | Avocado and Corn Salsa
Makes: 5 servings
Ingredients
1 avocado (diced)
¾ cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
½ cup grape tomatoes (quartered)
1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 tsp. lime juice
¼ tsp. salt
Preparations
Toss avocado, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a medium bowl.
Chill one hour, and then serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Total calories: 67
Total fat: 4 g
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 119 mg
Carbohydrate: 8 g
Dietary fiber: 3 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Total sugars: 1 g
Source: MyPlate
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.