Maximum Yield Australia/New Zealand May/June 2019 | Page 34

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FACTS
New Tests Show Most Kale Samples Contain Pesticides
While Kale is one of the healthiest foods, tests done by the USDA (the first
on kale since 2009) show that more than 92 per cent of conventionally
grown samples contained residues from two or more pesticides. Some
had traces from 18 different chemicals. Kale made the “Dirty Dozen”
list (at No. 3) published by the Environmental Working Group’s
“2019 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” Nearly 60 per
cent of kale samples tested positive for DCPA, or Dacthal, a
herbicide used to control grasses and broadleaf weeds, the
EWG noted. The group says the US Environmental Protection
Agency has classified DCPA as a possible human carcinogen.
The European Union has banned its use on crops since 2009.
Strawberries continued as the worst for pesticides, followed by
spinach. Test data from the USDA showed almost 70 per cent of
produce sold in America contains pesticide residues, according
to its analysis.
— fooddive.com
Avocado Seeds Show Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Penn State researchers have identified an extract from avocado
seeds that exhibits anti-inflammatory ability. The discovery
represents a potential source for new anti-inflammatory
compounds that might be developed as a functional food
ingredient or use in pharmaceuticals. “The next step, before we
can draw further conclusions about the anti-inflammatory activity
of this avocado seed extract, will be to design animal model studies,”
says Joshua Lambert, co-director of Penn State’s Center for Plant and
Mushroom Foods for Health. “For example, we can look at a mouse model of
ulcerative colitis where we formulate the avocado seed extract into the mice diet
and look at whether it is able to reduce inflammation.” Lambert believes the study
lays the groundwork for more research because it provides evidence there are
bioactive compounds in avocado seeds that have anti-inflammatory activity.
“The level of activity that we see from the extract is very good,” says Lambert.
— sciencedaily.com
The Bard Enjoyed Smoking Weed
William Shakespeare was a toker, according to a study from a South
African university. The University of the Witwatersrand was loaned
24 tobacco pipe fragments from Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
property by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Testing using gas
chromatography mass spectrometry was used on the fragments and
eight tested positive for cannabis and two had remnants of Peruvian
cocaine. The research team concluded the Bard hit the bong during
his illustrious writing career. Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 76” may contain
some references to drug use. Throughout its lines, Shakespeare
refers to keeping invention in a “noted weed” and to “new-found
methods and compounds strange.” The study notes the cocaine
was likely brought to England by Sir Francis Drake, who visited Peru
in 1577-78. Shakespeare, if he did use the drug, was likely using a
product grown very far from home, one that required a tremendous
amount of travel and resources to make its way into his hands.
— usatoday.com
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