Farmed Salmon
These fish are crammed in pens and fed all manner of junk from soy and
hydrolyzed chicken feathers and pellets. A scientific study on fish
contamination showed high levels of DDT and PCB’s (carcinogens). So serious
were the findings that the director for the Institute for Health warns that any
more than one salmon meal every 5 months increases your cancer risk. Not to
mention that fact that the levels of Omega 3 and Vitamin
D are devoid in these poor factory-versions that their wild,
up-stream-swimming ancestors contain. Best choice: Choose small & wild
varieties wherever available. Look for Wild Alaskan Salmon.
Conventional Beef
In order to get fat cows (and fat people) they are fed grain, corn and soy.
This is what farmers do to increase profits. The end product is meat that is
nutritionally inferior. Cows were meant to eat grass. Studies show that
grass-fed beef (compared to corn-fed) is higher in important vitamins, minerals
and the heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory fats. Then there’s also the issue of
all the antibiotics used on those inappropriately-fed, sick cows. Best choice:
Look for “grass-fed” or “pasture-fed” organic beef. Look for local farmers that
adhere to natural raising practices.
Conventional Milk
Dairy cows today are fed growth hormones to maximize milk production. Not
only does this make for a potentially breast/prostate/colon cancer milk shake,
but it also leads to increased incidence of udder infection for the poor cow,
leading to pus in the milk. Best choice: Give alternatives like almond, coconut
or rice milk a try, but if you do drink cows’ milk, make sure it states clearly
on the label that it is produced without artificial hormones, and ideally
choose organic whole milk from pasture-fed cows.
Canned Tomatoes
An endocrinologist and expert on the topic of the synthetic estrogen bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to heart disease
and infertility, won’t go near canned tomatoes. Tin cans are lined with a resin
containing BPA which is especially a problem with canning tomatoes, as the acid
in tomato breaks this down in dangerous amounts. Best choice: if you still want
the convenience of store bought, ready-to-cook tomatoes, opt for sauces and tomatoes
in glass bottles.
Microwave Popcorn
Another poisonous packaging issue: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) lines the
bags of those popcorn bags, and the heat in the microwave leaches this straight
onto your movie munchies. Research has linked this compound to infertility. Best
choice: Organic (only!) corn kernels + organic butter + sea salt + a big pot
(with a lid!) Simple.
Conventional Potatoes
More than any other vegetable, non-organic potatoes are heavily sprayed with
herbicides, pesticides and fungicides throughout every stage of their growth,
harvesting and storage. So much so that potato growers never eat the potatoes
they sell and grow their own separate plots without all the chemicals. Best
choice: Opt for healthier sweet potatoes or red/new potatoes, but choose organic
potatoes only if this is your choice.
Conventional Apples
There’s no coincidence that farm workers have higher rates of many cancers.
Of all common fruits, apples are the most heavily and frequently doused with
pesticides. Pesticide residue on conventional fruits is also linked to
Parkinson’s. To limit exposure, be wary of apples and other pesticide-heavy
produce. Best choice: Go organic. Or at the very least, wash and peel.In Health,
Dr. Brad Niewierowski
