On the news this morning there was a debate about whether organic produce is
any safer than the modern technology used on today's inorganic farms.It was
claimed if you buy local, fresh produce from the farmers markets it would have
the same taste and flavour as the mostly imported organic produce found in our
supermarkets.It was agreed organic produce is more expensive than inorganic and
farmers require much more land to produce their crops, so the question wasIs
organic a lifestyle or a health choice?Well let's see -The organic movement
really began in the 1960's with the publication of a report by Rachel Carson
called the Silent Spring. Before I go into that I'll back track a bit to the
1940's.It was the end of the Second World War which saw the beginning of the
chemical revolution. Weapons grade chemicals and nitrates suddenly found
themselves part of strong fertilizers and nerve gas became pesticide. Bugs
disappeared, crops flourished.Since then, however the Environment Protection
Agency has gone on to approve over 100,000 synthetic chemicals.WHY?Most of these
man made toxins have never been tested for long term health effects either
individually or in combination. However they seep into our soil, pollute our
rivers and waterways and irrevocably change the ecosystems.You'll find them in
your food, drink, household products, furniture, clothing, toiletries,
cosmetics, your water and especially in the air you breathe.Apparently food is
the greatest source of toxic chemicals and recently the independent Environment
Working Group compiled a list of the most contaminated fruit and vegetables.
They suggested by eliminating the top twelve, pesticide exposure could be
reduced by 90%. The culprits werepeaches apples nectarines strawberries cherries
pears imported grapes sweetball peppers celery spinach lettuce potatoes.
Seemingly washing them doesn't help much either. The average apple apparently
has 110 chemicals on it by the time you want to take a bite and even if you were
to wash it carefully there would still be between 20 and 30 chemicals on the
skin.Of course, you could always discard the skins but I was always taught that
part contained the most vitamins and besides how do you skin a lettuce?The
really scary thing which Rachel Carson highlighted was the way the toxins used
in fertilisers and pesticides increase as they pass through the food chain. It's
a process called bio-magnification and means that whatever is at the top of the
food chain comes off worst.Who is at the top of most food chains? - YOU!
Everyday we breathe in toxic chemicals especially when using household and
personal care products. Spray cans are very handy but not very accurate. As they
are usually used around the head area the very tiny particles easily access the
body through the mouth and nose. It's hardly surprising there has been such a
marked increase in asthma.Your skin is another route for toxic chemicals and
will absorb 60% of whatever you put on it. It's not very selective either.You
need to bear that in mind when you put on your creams, lotions and potions
especially as only 11% of the 10,500 synthetic chemicals used in the personal
care and toiletries industry have ever been assessed for safety.Your carpets and
furniture contain toxic chemicals and your electric appliances emit electro
magnetic fields. The clothes you wear, unless organic contain a cocktail of
chemicals by way of fertilisers, pesticides, bleaches and dyes.I've read that to
make one cotton tee-shirt about 160 grams of toxic chemicals must be used and
the Environment Protection Agency have said at least half of them are possible
or known carcinogens.Over time more and more people are suffering from the build
up of synthetic chemicals.Apparently each of us will be exposed to 50,000
chemical agents in our lifetime and will accumulate at least 500 toxic compounds
inside us. Obviously lifestyle and occupation will play a role but for many
toxin avoidance is impossible. Just consider the farmers on the cotton
plantations.There are now 200 different types of cancer and most scientists
agree 80% of them are caused by toxic synthetic chemicals.Clearly we are now
fighting another war - a health war.The only way to avoid as many chemicals as
possible is to buy organic, specifically "certified organic". That way you have
an independent third party guarantee of purity.Admittedly they are more
expensive but the saving on health is immense, not to mention the benefit to the
planet. Poisoning is seriously affecting our soil, and wildlife. So what do you
think?Is organic a lifestyle or health choice?I'll leave YOU to decide but just
remember who is at the top of the food chain.For details of SAFE organic
cosmetics, personal and skin care see http://www.bestorganicsforhealth.com,
http://www.probioticsforhealth.com Jean Shaw is the author of I'm Not Naughty -
I'm Autistic - Jodi's Journey and Autism, Amalgam and Me - Jodi's Journey
Continues http://www.jeanshaw.com
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