02 Sep 5 Reasons To Eat Organic
It’s more expensive and it often looks just the same as conventional produce, so are there evidence-based reasons to eat organic food? There are many reasons why choosing organic is a good decision for your health, for animals and for the environment. Here, we run through some of the main reasons to choose organic, and answer some commonly asked questions about pesticides in our diet.
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5 REASONS TO EAT ORGANIC
IT REDUCES YOUR EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES
Choosing organic fruit and vegetables means that your food hasn’t been routinely sprayed with numerous different pesticides. We have limited knowledge of the long term health impacts of these toxic chemicals. Don’t forget, they are designed to kill living organisms! It is understood that certain pesticides act as hormone disruptors and are potentially carcinogenic so clearly they are best avoided wherever possible. Washing alone isn’t enough to rid your food of them.
IT’S MORE NUTRITIOUS
Research has shown that organic food is naturally richer in essential nutrients. Non organic farming often uses synthetic fertilisers to fertilise soil so that it can be used over and over again, often for growing the same types of crops. This is known to lead to nutrient devoid soils. Organic farming is much more focussed on traditional farming methods – crop rotation and fertilising the soils naturally in order to maintain the health of the soil. More nutrients in the soil means more nutrients in our food.
IT’S MUCH KINDER TO ANIMALS
Organically farmed animals are genuinely free range and have to adhere to very high levels of animal welfare. Unlike most farm animals, organically raised animals aren’t routinely fed antibiotics. It’s believed that the routine use of antibiotics in farm animals could be a key contributor to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.
IT’S GM FREE
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not allowed in organic food. If you want to avoid genetically modified food, opting for organic is an effective way to do so.
IT HELPS SAVE THE BEES
Not only does eating non organic produce mean you’re consuming unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals, it also has serious consequences for the environment and wild animals as well as farm animals. Non organic farming methods and certain pesticides are largely responsible for the dramatic decline in bee populations. Save the bees… choose organic.
SO, WHY ARE PESTICIDES HARMFUL?
A new study showed a significant association between pesticide exposure and an increased risk of various cancers, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bladder, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It highlights that environmental pesticide exposure, particularly in agricultural settings, may elevate cancer risk to levels comparable to smoking. The research utilised geographic and population data to map cancer risks associated with 69 different pesticides across the United States.
Yes, you read that right, pesticide exposure may increase your cancer risk as much as smoking.
CAN PESTICIDES BE REMOVED BY WASHING?
Not completely, no. A new study challenges the effectiveness of washing fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides. Researchers found that systemic pesticides can penetrate deep into plant tissues, becoming incorporated throughout the edible portions of crops. Traditional washing methods are largely ineffective at removing these pesticides, as they are not just on the surface but distributed within the plant. The findings suggest that consumers may be exposed to more pesticides through their diet than previously thought, even when following recommended cleaning practices. The research highlights the need for more targeted pesticide delivery methods and a potential reassessment of current food safety guidelines regarding pesticide use and consumption. So rinsing your fruit and vegetables before eating them is not enough to reduce the risk of pesticide consumption.
WHICH FOODS ARE THE WORST FOR PESTICIDES?
Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases its list of the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen, guiding consumers on pesticide residues in produce. Strawberries top the Dirty Dozen, which includes spinach, kale, grapes, and peaches, with 209 pesticides found across these items. The Clean Fifteen, featuring avocados, sweet corn, and pineapple, lists produce with the least pesticide residues. While organic is generally recommended, it’s not always accessible or affordable. Read the full list along with our guide on how to use it here.
HOW CAN YOU GO ORGANIC?
One easy way to access organic produce is to start ordering a weekly organic vegetable box from a company like Riverford. It can also mean a greater variety of vegetables in your diet and it supports the farm directly, rather than big supermarkets. Visiting your local farmers’ market or even trying to grow your own are also great ways to ensure you’re getting fresh, organic foods in your diet.
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