Originally used to keep pesky bugs off fruit, pesticides are bringing pesky toxins to your kitchen table. Unable to ignore the dangers associated with some pesticides, The Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration have passed legislation meant to restrict the use of harmful pesticides on food that make it to your local grocery store. But unable to properly enforce the regulations, unapproved pesticides that linger on fruits and vegetables are still finding their way into our hands and mouths. And many people know little about the risks they pose.
Monica Gavin, M.D., of the Azani Medical Spa in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicineurges her patients to eat organically as often as possible for the healthy benefits and to reduce exposure to harmful toxins. Below she offers a guide to eating organic foods and using organic products:
Risks surrounding pesticides: According to Dr. Gavin, since we have begun spraying food with pesticides, the amount of toxins in our bodies have lead cancer rates to skyrocket. Consuming pesticides becomes particularly alarming when you buy fruit grown outside of the country since in many regions the types of chemicals used to treat food are not inspected.
What nature intended: Eating organically means eating in the form that nature intended. It is unnatural to have fruit covered in manmade toxins or made in factories, and in many cases, it is unnecessary.
Not just for vegetarians: The term “organic” is not just limited to fruits and vegetables. Choosing to eat organically doesn’t mean you have to become a vegetarian. A number of organic meats are on the market as well. To be considered organic meat means that the animal was grown on a farm where it was only fed organically grown feed. These animals also aren’t given synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. This helps ensure that you are eating meat from a previously healthy, natural animal.
How to determine if something is organic: Currently the FDA is cracking down on enforcing stricter guidelines for products that can be deemed organic. Currently the lax regulations allow for partially organic products to carry the organic seal on their labels. Still, looking for the FDA approved seal is still the best way to tell if something at your local grocer is organic.
It doesn’t have to be expensive: Shopping at organic food stores has the stigma of being costly. And while yes, in many cases you can get a cheaper factory processed alternative, you can cost-effectively eat organically. Many towns have local farmers markets which highlight organic fruits and vegetable sold at reasonable prices because they are grown locally. Chain grocery companies are also integrating organic sections into their stores which offer competitive pricing.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
