
Bland Strawberries? THIS is to Blame!
Even here in snowy Colorado, the crocuses are finally peeking their heads out of the ground. Soon, the daffodils will follow.
That means it’s almost time to plant my garden. I’m just a hobby gardener, so I don’t have miles of beds to tend to. But I love being able to walk out my back door and find something fresh to add to my meals.
Besides, the food you grow in your own backyard always tastes MUCH better than the produce you pick up at your local grocery store.
The freshness of local, organically-grown produce combined with good farming practices (minerals in the soil, responsible tilling, the use of compost, etc.) leads to FAR tastier fruits and veggies than those from conventional growing operations.
But, there may be something ELSE stealing the flavor from your produce.
It’s NOT your imagination. The strawberries you pick up at your local grocery store DO often taste like cardboard. And now we know why.
It turns out the chemicals that conventional commercial farms dump onto our food crops aren’t JUST bad for your health. They’re ALSO terrible for your taste buds too.
A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that some commonly used farming chemicals rob produce of its flavor.
The researchers looked specifically at strawberries that had been treated with certain fungicides.
They found that the chemicals interfere with cellular mechanisms in the fruit, leading to…
- LESS sweetness
- LOWER overall flavor
- a DROP in nutritional value
There’s no denying that you can get some great LOOKING produce by spraying chemicals on them. But they’re ALSO less tasty and healthy than those grown organically.
Commercial farmers have been putting chemicals on our food for decades now. And the impact of those pesticides goes far beyond the farm.
A report from the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration in 2022 found that over 70 percent of non-organic fresh produce sold in the US has chemical residues that could damage your health.
It’s likely impossible to avoid these creepy compounds completely. But you CAN cut way back on your exposure.
If you have the space and time, l encourage you to plant a vegetable garden. And whenever possible, always choose organic produce at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
P.S. Researchers discovered that a common class of chemicals could be a TRIGGER for Parkinson’s. Avoiding them may slash your risk of developing this heart-breaking disease. CLICK HERE for the disturbing details.
Source:
“Insights into the Mechanism of Flavor Loss in Strawberries Induced by Two Fungicides Integrating Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis,” J. Agric. Food Chem. 2023, 71, 8, 3906–3919, doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08157

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...
Separating Diet Fact from Fad
We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...