The truth about organic food, Although there is no definitive answer to the question, you can find out some important facts about organic foods. These include the fact that they’re more expensive than those grown using conventional methods. Eating a variety of different fruits and vegetables increases the number of nutrients you get and decreases your exposure to pesticides. Organic fruits and vegetables are best purchased in season and from farmers’ markets. This way, you can get the freshest produce while supporting local farmers.
Inorganic fertilizers can cause cancer
Research has shown that synthetic fertilizer can increase your risk of getting different types of cancer. For example, a 1973 study linked high levels of sodium nitrate in groundwater with the development of gastric cancer. Similarly, synthetic fertilizers can increase your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia, and prostate cancer by six times. These findings have led to an increase in awareness about the health risks associated with these substances. In addition, chemical fertilizers release harmful chemicals that can harm human health.
Despite their widespread use, they reduce the nutrient content of the plants that we eat. Scientists from the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University have studied the effect of nitrosamine exposure on the human body. The chemical compound nitrosamine causes DNA damage and oxidative stress and induces cytokine activation and inflammatory responses.
Chemical fertilizers also contain heavy metals that may negatively affect the kidneys, liver, and lungs. They are also associated with other potential health risks. Fertilizers that contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus may contaminate surface and groundwater. In addition to the health hazards of these compounds, improper use of these fertilizers can harm the environment and human life. If you want to reduce your risk of cancer, be sure to follow proper fertilizer safety guidelines.
Pesticides in conventional farming can cause gastrointestinal problems
It is well known that exposure to pesticides is harmful to human health. These chemicals affect different body systems and interfere with various functions. Although they are necessary for crop protection and food production, many pesticides are also used for home pest control and soil treatment. The most common reasons for pesticide exposure in people are excessive insecticide use, improper washing of bedding, and inadequate notification of pesticide applications. Symptoms of pesticide exposure can include headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea.
There is a link between exposure to pesticides and cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and congenital disabilities. They also affect developing children’s reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. In addition, mothers may pass pesticides to their babies through breast milk, so they can cause gastrointestinal issues if they consume pesticide-laden food. Therefore, consuming foods free of pesticides and their ingredients is vital.
GMOs in conventional farming can cause food allergies.
Among the concerns about GMOs in conventional farming are food allergies. The Centers for Disease Control tracked trends in food allergies over a period of 15 years, from 1997 to 2007. For example, peanut allergies tripled during this period, coinciding with the increasing use of GMO seeds. Most crops grown in the United States are genetically modified, including cotton, soy, and corn. However, researchers found no evidence to support the link between GMOs and food allergies in studies.
In one study, researchers tried to enhance the nutritional quality of soybeans by adding Brazil nut protein. Unfortunately, the researchers soon realized that they were working with an allergen and had to stop. Thankfully, today, researchers do strict tests to ensure that GMOs do not cause food allergies. AllergenOnline, an independent database, lists allergens from conventional foods. For more information on GMOs and food allergies, visit the website AllergenOnline.
The World Health Organization discourages genetic engineers from using allergens as their source of genetic information unless they can prove that the gene is not the problem. But a recent study found that GMOs may contribute to cancer development as they raise levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the body. However, the American Cancer Society said that no studies have shown that eating GMOs increases cancer risk.
Conclusion
Organic foods are not only better for the environment, but they are also better for your health. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts. People with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods. In addition, organic produce contains fewer pesticides. To reap the benefits of organic food, try to eat organic as much as possible.