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Imagine that you are in the produce aisle and the organic pears are deliciously displayed. You like the idea of organic – but it’s going to cost you a couple bucks extra. Should you splurge on the organic? Why does it matter?
The feelings of conflict are immediate when you look at the price difference between organic and non-organic food. And it’s simple to succumb to the reality of the harsh price difference when it is right in front of your face.
You wonder to yourself, does it really matter? You could spend that extra money so many other places.
I think we have all had this inner dialogue at one point or another. I know that I definitely have.
There are 3 main topics that come into play when comparing organic and non organic: Pesticides, GMOs (aka Genetically Modified Organisms), and the difference in nutrient value.
Let’s talk about how eating organic can impact your health.
LET’S TALK ABOUT PESTICIDES
We all know that organic food has strict pesticide restrictions versus non-organic food.
Non-organic foods use pesticides to reduce the damage to farmer’s crops from insects, rodents, germs, and even weeds. The damage reduction promotes a greater yield of fruits, vegetables and other types of crops.
Common Pesticides
Here are some common pesticides used on crops:
- Insecticides: Minimize destruction and contamination created by insects and their eggs on crops harvested.
- Herbicides: These kill weeds which improve crop yields.
- Rodenticides: Control destruction and contamination of crops by rodents as well as diseases carried in rodents.
- Fungicides: Protect crops and seeds from fungal rot.
Example of Exposure
Organophosphate insecticides (OP’s) are among the most commonly used pesticides in the US. OPs function by interfering with insects brain signals.
Let’s look at some of the effects of OP pesticides on children since they are the most vulnerable population.
Children are particularly at risk for being exposed to higher levels of chemicals and their bodies are biochemically less capable of detoxification.
Here are 3 studies showing school-age children have lower IQs when their mothers are exposed to common pesticides during pregnancy.
These studies performed on almost 800 children found that maternal exposure to certain common pesticides during pregnancy predicts a lower IQ, poorer working memory, and perceptual reasoning for the child.
- Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphates, Paraoxonase 1, and Cognitive Development in Childhood
- Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and IQ in 7-Year-Old Children
- 7-Year Neurodevelopmental Scores and Prenatal Exposure to Chlorpyrifos, a Common Agricultural Pesticide
This is showing that children exposed to low levels of pesticides in utero face significant cognitive impairment later in life.
Yet still another study links common food pesticides to ADHD in children. In this study, 94% of children tested had detectable levels of OP pesticide metabolites in their urine.
The children with the highest levels had higher likelihood of being diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
WHAT ABOUT GMO’S?
GMO crops are plants that are genetically engineered. They are created by combining DNA of different species that don’t occur in nature or with conventional cross-breeding. A large percentage of our commercial soy and corn in the US is made with genetic engineering.
GMOs crops are made to be resistant to pests as well as resistant to the weather. Genetically engineered corn for example was crossed with bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis, in order to produce its own insecticide, called Bt-toxin.
Bt-toxin highly effective at controlling Lepidoptera larvae, a type of caterpillar, by destroying the lining of their digestive tracts. Within minutes of ingesting it, the protein binds to the gut wall and the insect stops eating. Within hours, the gut wall begins to breaks down and normal gut bacteria invade the insect’s body cavity.
However, the poison is not specific to only insects. Bt-toxin can also poke holes in human cells, damaging your intestines and causing a leaky gut.
There is growing evidence showing the dangers of GMOs. This evidence prompted the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) to issue a public warning that “it is biologically plausible for Genetically Modified Foods to cause adverse health effects in humans.”
The high potency Bt-toxin in GMO corn cannot be washed off–it is a part of the genetic makeup of the crop.
IS NUTRITION CONTENT A FACTOR?
Organic Crops Vs Non-Organic
What are you really getting from organic? Scientist are working to answer this question as well.
A large meta-analysis study and review of data from over 300 studies shows that that organic crops contain a substantially higher concentration of many antioxidants and other potentially beneficial compounds.
Not only were the antioxidants substantially higher, but the concentrations of many beneficial compounds were measured at higher concentrations. You can see the significant difference in the chart below.
| Beneficial Compound | Percentage Higher in Organic Crops |
| Phenolic acids | 19% |
| Flavanones | 69% |
| Stilbenes | 28% |
| Flavones | 26% |
| Flavonols | 50% |
| Anthocyanins | 51% |
Many of these compounds are linked to a reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. They also are linked to reducing the risks of certain cancers shown in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies.
Non organic crops also contained significantly higher concentrations of a toxic metal known as cadmium. Exposure to lower levels of cadmium over a long period of time can cause damage to kidneys, lungs, and bones.
Significant differences were also found for other minerals and vitamins compounds.
Organic Vs Non-Organic Dairy
Another meta-analysis based on the findings of data pooled from more than 200 studies also shows similar results for organic dairy and meat. They contain about 50% more omega-3 fatty acids.
The increase is the result of animals grazing on grasses rich in omega-3s. Due to this consumption, the omega-3s end up in dairy and meats.
Omega-3s are linked to reductions in cardiovascular disease, improved neurological development and function, and better immune system regulation.
The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is extremely important. We currently get far too much of the omega-6s (prevalent in processed foods) and not enough omega-3s.
The body builds hormones from omega-6 fatty acids. In general, hormones constructed from these two classes of essential fatty acids have opposing effects.
Hormones from omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation, blood clotting, and cell proliferation. The omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease those functions. Both families of hormones need to be in balance to maintain optimal health.
The dietary imbalance of omega-3s can increase diseases such as asthma, coronary heart disease, many cancers, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. All of these diseases are believed to stem from inflammation in your body.
Also, the imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to obesity, depression, dyslexia, hyperactivity and even a possible tendency to violence.
These findings are part of a growing amount of evidence chronicling how farming methods can influence the nutritional content of foods.
WE HAVE ONLY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE
Isn’t it shocking when you actually weight out the evidence?
As you can see, these are just a few examples showing you the importance of eating organic foods and avoiding pesticides, GMOs, and maximizing your nutrient value.
You need to be informed on the importance of eating organic foods in order to see their pivotal role in your health.
For some people, it can be overwhelming to consider eating 100% organic (or as close as possible!) when you are see that price difference of the foods in the grocery store. Especially if you are on a budget.
I had to learn to make this change when I was fighting for my health while healing from Hashimoto’s disease. It was hard.
Start making changes one step at a time to fuel your health. Your body and your mind will thank you!
I Refuse To Bribe You.
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