Why Going Organic is Worth Consideration
Even though it does cost a bit more to eat organic, here's a bit of inspiration as to why it might be worth your consideration.
A short promotional film on Danish television presented the results of a 2017 study undertaken by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation.
The study was part of a campaign to lower the use of pesticides in Denmark.
In the study, 5 families agreed to switch to consuming solely organically-grown food for a 14 day period.
The urine of all participants was tested for pesticide content at the beginning of the test and again after 14 days.
Even though the study had a relatively small amount of participants, the results were quite remarkable.
Two Weeks of Going Organic Removed All Traces of Pesticide
A 2-week period of 'going organic' was enough to remove all traces of pesticide from every single participant (adults and children).Two short weeks.
No measurable pesticides in either kids or grown-ups.
I know what you're thinking, because I did too.
If it Were Only That Simple
It's real tempting to conclude going organic is the answer to removing all unwanted chemicals from our bodies as well as our planet, isn't it?But it's probably a bigger ask than even going organic can offer.
The reason it's not as simple as all that is because of the Cocktail Effect.
What is The Cocktail Effect
Cocktail: a mixture of ingredients that may or may not become a whole new entity with a whole new set of abilities.The European Chemicals Agency (link below) explains that the cocktail effect is
"where different chemicals have a combined adverse effect on humans or the environment".The latest knowledge on the cocktail effect indicates that it is wise to avoid exposure to even small amounts of undesirable chemicals.
Ok.
That sounds simple enough.
Let's avoid any undesirable chemicals.
But how can we tell which chemical is undesirable?
That sounds simple enough.
Let's avoid any undesirable chemicals.
But how can we tell which chemical is undesirable?
The challenge of answering that question is enough to make ones head spin. We would have to examine every chemical in relation to every other chemical to determine whether or not the combination or parts were 'undesirable'.
It seems like an insurmountable task. With so many factors involved, it would probably take numerous lifetimes.
Where to Start?
Shall we just dismiss this because it's too difficult to answer?I say no.
I say let's get started based on what we've learned so far – and continue to study as we move forward.
Even baby steps count.
Admittedly, the Danish study was small (and part of a campaign with a clear agenda), but the results were quite remarkable.
Perhaps switching to organic products can be a beginning.
Judging from the results of the study, it might just be worth considering.
More On Pesticides, The Cocktail Effect, and The Danish Study
Danish Society for Nature Conservation (English version)Do pesticides in our foods have consequences for our health (experts disagree) article in Danish)
Danish County wants to ban the use of pesticides
Lisbeth Knudsen, Professor of Human Toxicology and researcher at Copenhagen University
Five Families switch to poison-free foods (study in Denmark)
Pesticide Residues 2004-2011 (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark)
About the Danish Society for Nature Conservation Campaign: A Pesticide-Free Denmark
European Chemicals Agency: Chemical Mixtures and The Cocktail Effect
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