It causes attention deficit! The invisible threat of healthy nutrition: Pesticides
Nutrition and Diet Expert Hülya Yiğit, who stated that the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to healthy nutrition is to consume plenty of vegetables and fruits, said, “However, this suggestion also brings with it an issue that should not be ignored; pesticides…” Emphasizing that these chemicals used in agriculture are used to protect products from pests, but that their effects on human health are significant, Yiğit said, “In early 2025, some agricultural products sent from Turkey to European Union countries, especially dried figs and vine leaves, were turned back by customs due to pesticide and aflatoxin residues. These developments show that the pesticide issue is an important issue that concerns not only exports but also the products that come to our tables.”
It is associated with some types of cancer
Reminding that according to the World Health Organization, pesticide exposure is associated with hormonal disorders, immune system problems and some types of cancer, Nutrition and Diet Expert Hülya Yiğit said, “ Individuals, especially those in adolescence, are more sensitive to such chemicals because they are in the developmental process. Research shows that pesticide exposure can increase the risk of attention deficit and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents.”
Stating that it is natural to ask, "Shouldn't we eat fruits and vegetables?" in this case, Yiğit continued his words as follows:
“On the contrary, these foods are essential for a healthy life. However, it is possible to reduce these risks with careful and conscious consumption. First, soak vegetables and fruits in carbonated water, then rinse and wash them separately with vinegar water. Do not combine this process because some pesticides can dissolve in the acidic environment and pass into the food. If possible, choose organic products or seasonal and local products. Do not put products bought from the market or supermarket in the refrigerator without washing them. Surface residues can also pass to other foods through contact. When shopping, prefer reliable sources with food safety documents. Certified producers and inspected markets should be the priority.”
It is also directly related to how the food placed on the plate is produced.
Nutrition and Diet Expert Hülya Yiğit, who pointed out that independent organizations share with the public every year which products contain the most pesticide residues, said, “The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent environmental health organization based in the USA, lists the products that contain the most and least pesticides every year.” Referring to this data, Yiğit concluded her words as follows:
“According to EWG’s 2024 data, the products with the highest pesticide residues were strawberries, spinach, kale, grapes, peaches, pears, apples, cherries, peppers (sweet and bitter), blueberries, nectarines and green beans. The products considered to be the cleanest were avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, onion, papaya, frozen peas, asparagus, cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, mushrooms, mango, sweet potatoes and carrots. Although this list is from the US, it is an important reference for agricultural production and pesticide residues worldwide. Such information, especially for sensitive groups such as children and adolescents, helps to make more informed choices. Let’s not forget; a truly healthy diet is not only directly related to what we put on our plate, but also to how that food is produced and processed.”
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