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· Beef (if you choose to eat it at all). "Research suggests a strong connection between some of the hormones given to cattle and cancer in humans, particularly breast cancer," says Samuel Epstein, M.D., professor emeritus of environmental and occupational medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
· Strawberries. In addition to having up to 13 pesticides detected on the fruit, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis, conventional strawberries have a large surface area and many tiny bumps which make the pesticides difficult to rinse off.
· Cookware. Most non-stick cookware contains a fluorochemical called PTFE that breaks down to form toxic fumes when overheated. Switch to stainless steel, glass or cast iron cookware.
· Popcorn. The linings of microwave-popcorn bags may contain a toxic chemical called PFOA, used to prevent the food from sticking to the paper. According to the EPA, PFOA is a likely carcinogen.
· Milk. Dairy products account for a reported 60 to 70 percent of the estrogens we consume through our food. This is mainly because milk naturally contains hormones passed along from cows. What worries some experts is that about 20 percent of dairy cows are treated with the hormone rBST (or rBGH) which stimulates milk production by increasing circulating levels of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 is associated with an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer. The use of rBGH is banned in Europe and Canada.
· Celery. When researchers analyzed 89,000 produce-pesticide tests to determine the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, celery topped the chart. Celery stalks are very porous so they readily retain pesticides. Bell peppers, spinach and potatoes scored high for pesticides as well.
· Water Bottles. By now, you've heard that many reusable plastic water bottles are bad for you because they contain BPA (bisphenol A). For adults, the biggest concern with BPA is that it may increase the risk of breast cancer in women and reduce sperm counts in men. Use my favorite bottle -- Klean Kanteen.
· Tomato Sauce. When buying tomato sauce or paste, choose the glass jar or box over the can. "The lining on the inside of food cans that's used to protect against corrosion and bacteria may contain BPA," explains Cheryl Lyn Walker, Ph.D., a professor of carcinogenesis at MD Anderson Cancer Center and past president of the Society of Toxicology.
· Food-Storage Containers. BPA strikes again! Many food-storage containers are made of hard, clear polycarbonate plastic. As is the case with water bottles, the BPA can leach out of the plastic in these containers and seep into your food. Leaching is increased when food is heated. Use glass or stainless steel instead.
· Lawn & Garden Pesticides. Some lawn and garden pesticides contain suspected carcinogens. Long-term pesticide exposure may be related to changes in the brain and nervous system. Healthier brands like BurnOut and EcoClear, made from vinegar and lemon juice, are effective weed-killers. To find less-toxic lawn-care companies in your area, go to Health.com/lawn-care.
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