11 Things You Don’t Know About Prayer

Most of us have struggled in our prayer lives. So, should we feel guilty and condemn ourselves? Should we give up on prayer, hoping our good works, faithful church attendance and generous giving might offset the reality that our prayer lives aren’t what they should be? How can you improve your prayer life?

 

1. Be honest! “I needed to re-examine the scripture in James 5:16,” confesses Bible teacher Denise Joyce Williams. It says the prayers of the righteous carry weight with the Lord. “It also states that we must ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’”

Williams continues: I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed to be honest with fellow believers that I was struggling with finding quality time to cultivate my prayer life. I needed their support, their prayers and their love to help me get through the dry season I was experiencing in my prayer life. The times of pretending, hiding and borderline lying about how much time I was spending with God needed to stop. Immediately.

2. Be humble! “Humility recognizes who we are and who God is. A humble person will therefore yield to God, obey God,” advises Michael Fackerell. “A humble person, in recognizing who God is, will praise God, and will adore God. Our true worship to God is the place where not only do we say we love God, but we are laying down our lives and putting our bodies themselves at God’s disposal.”

Fackerell continues: Romans 12:1 says that when we offer our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, this is our reasonable service of worship. When we are occupied with fulfilling our own desires, we usually miss the intimacy with God that could have been possible.

3. Bind Satan and demon powers away from your answer, teaches Pastor John Hamel. “This is a very simple thing to do. Simply say, ‘Satan and all demon spirits, I bind you away from me and away from the answer to my prayer. In Jesus’ Name.’ You see, the Bible says that Satan is constantly looking to hinder our prayers, keeping them from being answered. ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places’ (Ephesians 6:12).”

Hamel continues: These demonic principalities and powers are indeed in the Earth and constantly looking to hinder our prayers and all of our work for God. However, Jesus gave us authority to “bind” them, in His Name, thereby freezing them in their tracks, stopping every hindrance. Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” (Matthew 18:18).

Hamel adds: When a believer says, “Satan, I bind you away from my prayer answer, in Jesus’ Name,” God Himself promises to back up that command from Heaven.

4. Do not pray to Jesus. “That’s right,” says Hamel. “Somebody once said to us, ‘But I’ve been praying to Jesus all my life.’ I asked, ‘Well, have you been getting good results?’ They answered, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Well, you probably want to make some changes then. Let me show you why from the Bible, in Jesus’ own words.’ ‘And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.’ (John 16:23) Notice here that Jesus Himself said that we are to ask ‘nothing’ of Him. He made it perfectly clear that all prayer should be directed to ‘The Father’ in Jesus’ Name.”

5. Don’t let faithless conversation dilute a faith-filled prayer. “Many believers pray positively and then talk negatively,” says Hamel. “For example, someone might pray, ‘Father, I ask You for an extra $50 to pay my phone bill, in Jesus’ Name.’ As soon as they pray that prayer, they might speak with someone who asks, ‘Are you going to be able to pay that extra $50 on the phone bill?’ The believer who prayed might respond, ‘It sure doesn’t look like it. I hope so.’ That’s unbelief. Without faith it’s absolutely impossible to be pleasing to the God of faith (Hebrews 11:6).”

Hamel continues: Look at what Jesus said regarding speaking positively over our prayers. “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain (symbolic of an obstacle or a need), Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).

“Notice,” writes Hamel, “Jesus made a point of teaching believers that they will have what they ‘say.’ not only what they ‘pray.’ Notice here that Jesus used the word ‘say’ or ‘saith’ a combined total of three times. He used the word ‘believe’ one time. So, listen to the way you are speaking about your answer.”

6. Don’t recite pointless words. “I wanted God to teach me how to pray,” writes Williams. “I searched the word and Matthew 6:9 Jesus tells the disciples how not to pray. He talked in the previous verses about ‘vain repetitions.’ In other words, I shouldn’t try to impress God with selfish, distant prayers. I needed to be honest with God about whatever I needed at that moment.”

Williams continues: “The next thing God revealed to me was that I needed to have conversations with the Lord, not feel like prayer is a forced, painful ritual that requires me to put in time. When I re-read the Lord’s prayer I learned to talk to God which is what praying really is” – and quit reciting empty words.

7. Establish a Personal Relationship with God. “This, in my opinion, is the #1 ‘secret’ for getting your prayers answered by God the Father,” writes Bible teacher Mike Bradley. “Here is the Scripture verse that completely captures this principle. ‘If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples’ (John 15:7). Look very, very carefully at this verse to see what Jesus is trying to tell you if you want to be able to get God to answer more of your specific prayers.”

“‘If you abide in Me’ is telling you that the first thing God wants from you in order to be able to properly approach Him for prayer is a personal relationship with Him!” explains Bradley. “God cannot be tricked or duped. You cannot approach God trying to enter this kind of personal relationship in order to get Him to give you all of your wants and desires.”

Bradley continues: “Your motives must be pure! You enter into a relationship with God because you want to get to know Him personally! You don’t enter into this kind of a relationship to see how much He can give you. You have to ‘want God’ for who He is – not for what He can do for you.”

8. Pursue intimacy with God. “The apostle John was a man who loved to be close to Jesus and experience the anointing of God. John was referred to as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ and was one of the inner ring within Jesus’ 12 main disciples,” writes Fackerell. “John was involved when he and Peter ministered to the crippled man, and that man began to ‘walk and leap and praise God’ (Acts 3).

Fackerell continues: If we are going to move in the supernatural of God, we must pursue intimacy with God. This means being close to God, letting God touch our hearts, and learning to touch the heart of God. It means listening to the promptings of the Spirit of God and obeying them.

9. Relax! “The Lord showed me that I was simply making too much of a production of prayer,” advises  Williams. “When I used to do this, it would make praying a burdensome task and I’d feel bondage instead of freedom. The Lord showed me that praying isn’t a prison. It’s a way to simply talk to my best friend – Jesus! I didn’t have to have a structured prayer time every day. I could pray to the Father any time of day, any day of the week.”

“Tradition taught me to set aside a prayer time daily that may include a set time to begin and end,” says Williams. “The Lord showed me that I could pray in my car, in class, at work or even when preparing dinner for my family. I could pray when washing dishes or while I’m cleaning the bathroom. I learned that my prayers to God don’t have to have formality they just need to be sincere.”

10. Thank God for your answered prayer… before you even see it, says  Hamel “That’s right, before you even see it. Jesus said, ‘Therefore I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them’ (Mark 11:24). It takes faith to say, ‘Father, I thank You that my need is met, in Jesus’ Name,’ before the $50, or whatever it is you might need, can actually be seen. So, thank the Father for answering your prayer … before you see proof that He has done so.

11. Trust in the Lord! “I learned that God loves when we talk to Him,” writes Williams. “He loves when we are honest with Him and tell Him our vulnerabilities so He can fix what ails us. He wants us to cast all of our cares on Him. I’m so glad I sought the Lord about prayer because it freed me from the traditions of men that I was taught concerning prayer.”

“Yes I could still have a set time daily to meet the Lord in prayer if I choose to,” writes Williams, “but if I miss that time, I could still talk to the Father and He will honor my prayer.”

The reason why I love the Lord so much,” writes Williams, “is because when we struggle with issues, He speaks the answers. He loves us too much to allow us to feel any bondage because whom Jesus set free is free indeed.”

“Talk to the Father where ever you are. Have an honest conversation with the Lord. Make Him your best friend. That is the secret of prayer.”

What experts have to say about the health benefits of magnesium?

Magnesium is one of the minerals we require to maintain good health. According to health experts, the recommended daily intake of magnesium is of 100 mg. Magnesium is stored primarily in the bones but various quantities of this mineral also are stored in the muscles and other soft tissues. Even the bodily fluids contain magnesium, demonstrating how important this mineral is for our health. What do experts have to say about the health benefits of magnesium? Let us find out!

The role(s) of magnesium in the human body

Magnesium contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring an active metabolism. It also is involved in the production of fatty acids and proteins. Perhaps one of magnesium’s most important roles is ensuring the proper transmission of signals from one part of body to the other. Moreover, magnesium helps the muscles to relax.

When a person does not have adequate quantities of magnesium in their body, all sorts of health problems can arise. The lack of sufficient magnesium has been linked to insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Magnesium deficiency also can lead to chronic heart problems, such as coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis.

 Magnesium, essential for healthy bones

In both children and adults, magnesium contributes to the formation of healthy bones. Magnesium facilitates the absorption of calcium in the bones, thus ensuring greater bone density. In fact, magnesium supplements in women who have reached menopause has been associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Heart health

Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, especially relaxation. The heart is a muscle as well, so it needs a daily dosage of magnesium to stay healthy and function as it was intended. Magnesium has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease as well as associated conditions such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. In patients suffering from hyperlipidemia, magnesium actually can improve the lipid profile.

Magnesium also is necessary when a person is taking calcium supplements. By taking only calcium, without magnesium, you actually will create a higher risk for arterial calcification. Moreover, you stand a greater chance of suffering from heart disease and renal problems, such as kidney stones.

People who have suffered a heart attack can benefit tremendously from magnesium, including a reduced mortality risk. Magnesium also can help treat congestive heart failure, helping reduce the risk of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

Reduced risk of diabetes

Health experts agree magnesium is essential for keeping glucose levels in check, and thus contributing to a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. Regular doses of magnesium, either through the diet or as a supplement, guarantee improvement in insulin sensitivity. When magnesium levels are low, insulin secretion is going to become impaired, thus affecting insulin sensitivity.

Treat your diabetes:

Helpful with PMS

Premenstrual syndrome is one of the most common problems women have. Magnesium has been known to improve the symptoms women experience. Magnesium can eliminate symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness as well as keeping one’s appetite in check. Moreover, it can reduce the risk of insomnia and leg swelling. For best results, magnesium should be taken with vitamin B6.

Efficient weapon against depression

Numerous studies have found an association between magnesium deficiency and depression. It seems those who chronically are depressed have a low level of magnesium. After receiving magnesium supplements or eating more magnesium-rich foods, these patients show a significant improvement in their symptoms.

No more migraine headaches

Magnesium provides an efficient treatment for migraine headaches, including when taken before headaches begin. Daily magnesium supplements can result in relief from migraines. The administration of intravenous magnesium also was associated with a reduction in the frequency of migraines. In general, intravenous magnesium is preferred to oral supplements, as it is better tolerated by most patients.

Magnesium, effective treatment for pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, being characterized by dangerously high blood pressure. Intravenous magnesium can prevent the condition from progressing any further, reducing the risk of eclamptic seizures. Magnesium also facilitates the release of prostaglandins; these will keep blood pressure under control, reducing inflammatory processes throughout the body.

In conclusion, magnesium remains one of the minerals that we cannot do without. It is essential for achieving and maintaining a state of optimal health, especially when the body is under a lot of stress (physical or emotional). Magnesium deficiency can leave the body vulnerable in the face of acute and chronic conditions, so it is important to include more magnesium-rich foods in your diet or take magnesium supplements.

Among the best sources of magnesium are sunflower seeds, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, spinach, cashews, soy milk, black beans, oatmeal, broccoli, peanut butter and shrimp. However, avoid taking large doses of magnesium, especially if you are suffering from renal insufficiency. Always talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.

Common Foods That Damage Your DNA

To help protect your DNA and reverse genetic aging, avoid or reduce consumption of the phytochemicals that can harm you. It's important that you do this, because once phytochemicals like psoralen become activated, they can target your DNA destructively.

Granted, the process of DNA damage is complicated. Take celery, for example. Celery and many of the other plants in its family, such as parsnips, make natural poisons called furocoumarins. Psoralen is one such toxic chemical insecticide that celery uses to fight off insects that want to turn a celery plant into their next meal. 

The more that a plant like celery is stressed, say by an insect munching on its leaves, the more psoralen it’s going to make in response. The synthetic pesticides used in conventional growing practices kill the insects that increase the amount of psoralen present.

To avoid being poisoned, some insects have adapted their behavior to counter this bit of chemical warfare and roll themselves up in a leaf to stay in the dark while they happily digest their celery. By doing so, the insects protect themselves from the sunlight that would activate and turn "on" the psoralen that the insects just ingested.

To avoid getting too much of the DNA-damaging phytochemicals, make sure you avoid these foods: 

Do not eat too much of the same food

Your body and the DNA within it actually evolved to have their needs met by having you constantly consume a variety of foods. Monoeating is the single best way to ensure that you're going to be deficient in some nutrients and poisoned by getting too much of others. This sounds like simple advice, but when it's not followed, you can get yourself into trouble quite quickly.  

Overly bitter cucumbers

Cucurbitacins, for example, are highly toxic natural chemicals that can damage your DNA and are found in vegetables such as cucumbers. They also happen to be extremely bitter and can even be tasted at one part per billion, or ppb. So if you happen to bite into a bitter-tasting cucumber, especially if it was organically grown, better to leave it on the plate than risk harming your DNA. 

Large amounts of kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or mustard greens

Goitrogens are phytochemicals that are found in vegetables such as turnips. It's thought that they might be responsible for a small number of goiter cases every year because they interfere with your thyroid's natural ability to take up iodine from your diet. Avoid sourcing all of the vegetables in your diet from raw Brassica member plants such as kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and mustard greens. Enjoy these delicious veggies cooked, (try any of these 7 Brussels sprouts recipes to start) since many of the dangerous isothiocyanate compounds luckily become inactivated with cooking. So no more raw kale, because it's full of goitrogens! 

Peanuts

Mycotoxins are another group of naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by fungi that have infected and contaminated one of your food sources. Aflatoxins are produced by some strains of the microbe Aspergillus flavus and are some of the most carcinogenic and toxic natural compounds known. Besides being able to cause liver cancer, they can also cause birth defects and directly damage your DNA, so reach for these liver-healing foodsinstead. 

The possible presence of aflatoxins (there are four types, with B1 being the most potent and common in foods) is why you should not eat any peanuts or peanut-containing. Imported peanuts can often contain much more aflatoxin than peanuts produced in the United States, but there's no way for you to ensure that your peanut butter has been properly tested and is aflatoxin-free.  

Commercially produced applesauce and puree

Patulin is another mycotoxin that is produced by different microbes that can often sneak their way into your food. This mycotoxin sometimes finds its way onto your dinner table in apple juice, applesauce, or even apple pies. Often commercial producers use moldy foods like apples to make these products, because the processing hides the fact that they are spoiled and should not be consumed. That's simply disgusting. Patulin in bruised apples is why you should skip them entirely and should also watch out for things that have been sweetened with apple juice, as you're not allowed those either. 

Apple juice and apple cider (nonalcoholic)

There's one way to drink your apples and not get exposed to patulin, and that's by drinking hard apple cider. Interestingly, when apple juice is fermented into an alcoholic drink from apple juice, patulin breaks down naturally. With the notable exception of an occasional unsweetened excellent-quality hard apple cider from a local microbrewery, there's truly no reason for you or your family to consume apple juice or otherwise processed apple products, since they've been shown to damage your DNA. 

Dried fruits

Ochratoxin A is another mycotoxin produced by microbes that also damages your DNA. It can make its way into your diet through contaminated foods such as dried fruits, bruised apples, and improperly stored cereal grains. It's also been detected in many milk-based infant formulas, cereal-based baby foods, and apple-based baby foods as well. 

What Do These 5 Veggies Have in Common? They’re Nutritional Powerhouses!

Kale, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower may all look different, but they’re actually remarkably similar. These five veggies are all part of the Cruciferae family. We laymen commonly refer to them as cruciferous vegetables. In addition to being closely related, these five vegetables also have something else in common: They’re some of the most nutritious vegetables on the planet.

We’re not saying you shouldn’t ever deviate away from the cruciferous family, but really, these five vegetables can fulfill a lot of your nutritional needs. Here are a few of the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables and some advice on how you can best prepare them at home.

Vitamins

First off, few vegetables are packed with as many different nutrients as cruciferous vegetables. They’re rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as the B-vitamin group, including the ever-important folic acid.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin A is super important for hair, skin and nail health, which makes cruciferous vegetables not only good for our bodies, but also our beauty routines. Vitamin A is also important for eyesight and is an important nutrient for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Vitamin C, of course, strengthens the immune system, and vitamin K is important for blood clotting function. Meanwhile, the hugely important nutrient folic acid (a B-group vitamin) is beneficial for healthy pregnancies. It’s so important, in fact, that the CDC recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent potential birth defects. 

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are a group of nutrients that can only be found in plants, hence their title, phtyo- (Greek for “plant”) nutrients. The phytonutrient group glucosinolates is prevalent incruciferous vegetables. In fact, according to World’s Healthiest Foods, we simply can’t get enough glucosinolates in our diet without consuming these kinds of veggies.

This is crucial because these phytonutrients play an important role in cancer prevention.

“Once converted into other molecules called isothiocyanates, the glucosinolates have an eye-opening track record in lowering the risk of certain cancers,” World’s Healthiest Foods states.

Calcium

We already know that calcium is important for bone health, but did you know that you can actually get plenty of calcium from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale? They may actually be preferable to dairy as a calcium source, because they areabsorbed better, are paired with vitamin K (important for calcium absorption) and don’t have the negative health effects of dairy.

Fiber

Finally, like all plant foods, cruciferous vegetables contain tons of fiber, which is great for our bodies. Fiber moves through the digestive tract, clearing the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements and increasing nutrient absorption. In fact, adequate fiber intake may just be the most important component in a weight loss program, according to Harvard University Researchers.

How to Prepare Cruciferous Vegetables

When it comes to broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage, the rawer you can eat your veggies, the better. World’s Healthiest Foods points out that the fresher your veggies are, the more likely they will be to have active enzymes, which contribute to vitamin and phytonutrient content.

To eat your broccoli raw, simply dip it in a tasty vegetable dip (ranch is a classic) and munch on it as a snack. You can also pick up raw broccoli cole slaw that makes for a great addition to salads.

Speaking of salads, use kale as one of your leafy greens in salad preparation. This will ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck in terms of nutrients. Cabbage is similar in its palatability on top of salads and in cole slaws.

Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are difficult ones to eat raw due to their harder textures and bitter tastes. A great trick is to throw them in your food processor and grind them until they are a fine, grain-like texture. Then you can sprinkle them over salads or soups.

If none of these options sound appealing, don’t worry—eating your cruciferous vegetables cooked will still give you a healthy dose of important nutrients.

“Recent research shows a definite dietary place for cruciferous vegetables in both raw and cooked form,” asserts World’s Healthiest Foods.

Could Cockroach Milk Be The Next Biggest Superfood?

When you think of superfood crazes, perhaps an exotic berry or nutrient-dense seaweed might come to mind. I’ll bet cockroach milk is the last and most horrifying example you could imagine. Research is showing, however, that milk from lactating cockroaches—yes, there is a species of the creepy crawler that lactates—offers a high protein content and turns into energy in the body almost immediately.

The Pacific beetle cockroach does not lay eggs like other species, but instead births live offspring in what are called brood sacs. The mothers provide food for their young via a milky substance containing crystals packed with protein, sugar and fat, much like mammalian mothers do for their babies with breast milk. Scientists claim this “cockroach milk” is the most nutrient- and calorically-dense substance on Earth. 

When compared at the same weight, cockroach milk contains three times as much energy as buffalo milk, one of the animal kingdom’s most highly protein-packed milks. The crystals in the cockroach fluid metabolize amazingly quickly, piquing the interest of athletes who require a fast replenishment of protein to repair and build strong muscles after a workout.

Right now, no one is sure if mama roach’s milk is toxic to humans. Even if it passes that test, Subramanian Ramaswamy, a biochemist at India’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Bangalore and co-author of the study, told The Washington Post, “I don’t think anyone is going to like it if you tell them, ‘We extracted crystals from a cockroach and that is going to be food.’” However, given that cricket flour protein bars are already a thing, maybe there would be more adventurous folks out there than he thinks.

Luckily—or, for some, creepily—the researchers suspect the milk could be artificially made using bioengineered yeast, removing cockroaches from the equation altogether. This might satisfy both ethical vegans and almond milk haters, as both types of those milks tend to drain natural resources, not to mention dairy milk industries cause intense suffering to mother and offspring.

In the future, protein bars, powders and drinks could be filled with artificial cockroach milk. Workouts could be fueled by the stuff and (synthetic) cockroach-built muscles could take the stage at bodybuilding competitions. Television commercials and even professional athlete sponsorships could feature insect lactation fluid as a viable workout supplement. What an incredible time to be alive.

5 Health Benefits of Probiotics

To put it simply: Bacteria follow the food you eat. The easiest way to manipulate your gut flora is by enriching your diet with a variety of probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the actual bacteria that live in your gut. Prebiotics are the substances that the bacteria eat. Food sources are the best way to get both of these, since the diversity of the bacteria in supplements is not as smart as nature; your second choice could be a high-quality, specific-flora supplement. 

Once you've established a healthy colony, you have to care for it. Just as you wouldn't plant a garden and not feed or water it, you can't just pour some kefir on top of a bad diet and expect those beneficial microorganisms to grow and flourish. You need to feed them. Fiber from a balanced diet is one way to nourish your gut microbiome.

Every day scientists are discovering more benefits of having teeming, diverse gut colonies. Some probiotic health and performance benefits we know for certain include:

1. Improved Energy

Probiotics and a healthy gut flora facilitate good and healthy digestion, allowing you to optimally absorb all the vitamins and minerals you need to perform and recover.

2. Increased Immunity

Research shows that probiotics is one of the most surprising ways to improve immunity and can help fight bad bacteria and fend off and reduce the duration of upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold) and gastrointestinal woes such as diarrhea. One particularly interesting study found that highly trained distance runners (who are prone to falling ill from overtaxed immune systems) had less than half the number of sick days when they pumped up their diet with probiotics.

3. Heat Tolerance

Though more research is needed, it appears that having a healthy level of probiotics also improvesexercise performance in the heat. In one study, runners were tasked to run to exhaustion in a series of tests pre- and postprobiotic supplementation (specifically 45 billion CFU of lactobacillus,bifidobacterium and streptococcus strains). After supplementation, the runners improved their performance by a whopping 14 percent in hot conditions. It is likely that the gut lining is protected from damage, which allows digestion and the cooling system to function optimally.

4. Lower Inflammation

Research shows that probiotics can lower levels of inflammation in the body. This helps prevent numerous diseases and illnesses, including chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as inflammation-based conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and irritable bowel syndrome.

5. Improved Well-Being

Probiotics have been linked to general health benefits of all kinds, including lower cholesterol; lower blood pressure; healthier blood sugar, body weight and body composition; and even better oral health. Healthy probiotic levels may also improve mood and some research finds that they may even help treat depression.

The Dark Side of Strawberries

Spring is here—time to start looking forward to strawberries. These treasured sweet berries are one of nature's most potent packages of health-defending antioxidants. But are your strawberries also laced with invisible chemicals that could cause cancer? In U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) testing, a single sample of strawberries tested contained 13 different pesticides!

The good news is that in late 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency canceled the use of the go-to, cancer-causing strawberry pesticide methyl iodide in the U.S. That was a big win for human health groups because the toxic fumigant endangered farmworkers and families living hear strawberry fields.

But keeping that chemical off of the U.S. market doesn't mean strawberries are completely in the clear. Growers of nonorganic strawberries in California—where nearly 90 percent of the nation's strawberries are produced—continue to pump hazardous substances into fields, including volatile chemicals that readily drift into nearby families' yards. "With names like methyl bromide, chloropicrin, and Telone (1,3-D), these fumigants are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems in children," says soil science expert Margaret Reeves, PhD, senior scientist with Pesticide Action Network. "We have waited far too long for action; California and federal officials need to create a clear roadmap to phase the use of these chemicals out of all agricultural production by 2020."

California's strawberry industry is investing in research for less-toxic alternatives, but the California Department of Pesticide Regulation said that a big shift won't occur unless there are new kinds of crop insurance or grants to mitigate the risk of switching to a newer way of growing strawberries.

Opportunities to convert to greener strawberry cultivation include tools like crop rotation, steam treatment, anaerobic soil disinfections, solarization, and the building of healthier soil in which to sustainably grow strawberry crops over the long term.

In the coming months, California officials will evaluate whether or not to keep several strawberry fumigants on the market or add additional health protections on their use. "It should be clear that current laws and regulations aren't doing enough; over 5.5 million pounds of chloropicrin are applied in California alone, often near schools and homes, including over 650 people in the state that have reported poisonings from the chemical in the last decade," Reeves notes. "The Department of Pesticide Regulation and California Environmental Protection agency will need to take leadership on the issue, which will likely have ripple effects across the entire country."

While fumigants are more of a local issue—those chemicals don't stick around on strawberries—the other pesticides are turning up on nonorganic strawberries in alarming numbers.

For instance, a Pesticide Action Network Analysis of pesticide residues using USDA data found 54 different pesticide residues were detected among strawberry samples. The testing turned up nine known or probable carcinogens, 24 suspected hormone disruptors, 11 neurotoxins, 12 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 19 honeybee toxins. Traces of fungicides captan and pyraclostrobin turned up on more than half of strawberry samples tested.