Organic

 

Pesticides are poisons They are meant to kill living things and are used on many fruits and vegetables to prevent disease during the growth process. Studies show that accumulation of pesticide residue is greater on conventional foods than on organic ones. Studies also suggest that lower level exposure to pesticides over years can cause a host of many different health problems. Farm workers who handle these poisons are very well documented as having many of these health problems. The immediate problems may include lung and eye irritation. Nausea and nerve damage, (short term) have been reported as well. Other risks may include Lou Gehrig's disease or some forms of cancer. Many commonly used pesticides are potential carcinogens. Pesticides are also endocrine disrupters that interfere with hormones. In 1987 a National Academy of Science report acknowledges many common pesticides may cause birth defects, cancer and nerve damage. This reports a finding of a disruption of the immune system as well. One reason to buy organic foods  Is for your children's health. A child's exposure to pesticides is much greater than an adult’s. Kids actually eat more fruits and vegetables relative to their body weight. As children are exposed to these pesticides early in life while their immune system is not fully developed, they have more time to accumulate these chemicals in their tissue. According to “The Environmental Working Group” the report on "Pesticides in Children's Food," states that the largest contribution to a person’s lifetime risks of cancer from pesticide residues occur during the childhood years. Are organic foods better for you? Although science is unclear, there is enough data that suggests this to be true. Still, the choice is yours and you have to trust your comfort level before making that decision. Organic foods do cost more. For some it is a wise investment and for others it is not. Do the research for yourself. If you feel that these foods should be incorporated into your holistic living program, then great. If not, no worries. The point is to get you more involved in this process. Knowing what you put into your body is in a sense, creating your future.