| The Poisoning of Our Foods |
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Article Courtesy of Healthful
Living International
by Prof. Rozalind A Gruben.
The last 30 years has seen witness to the fastest growth of agricultural
chemicals ever to be dumped on our planet’s soil. It is estimated that, world
wide, the agricultural chemical industry is producing about 45,000 to 50,000
different pesticides based on approximately 600 active ingredients. In one year
the UK alone sold 23,504 tonnes of active ingredients for the purpose of use in
agriculture. This amounts to 420 grams of chemicals for every adult and child in
this country. Cereal crops receive an average of eight applications of
chemicals, between the times when they are planted and eaten. It is not unusual
for fruit and vegetables to be sprayed 10 to 15 times. Is this in our best
interests, or should we be campaigning for organic food in the name of our
health and our children’s futures?
Defining Organic
There have been numerous attempts around the world to define this word. The most
globally excepted definition was compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
which states the following:
'Organically grown food is food grown without pesticides; grown without
artificial fertilisers; grown in soil whose humus content is increased with
applications of natural mineral fertilisers; and has not been treated with
preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, etc.'
Classes of Pesticides
Pesticides are divided into the following categories. Each are designed for
specific purposes and based on similar chemical compounds. Each also carries
associated health risks. For example, new evidence suggests that some types of
pesticides, known as Organo chlorides containing DDT, have oestrogen properties
and can bring on premature labour. Studies in Brazil
and India show levels of DDT significantly higher in miscarried foetuses and
premature babies.
Insecticides
Used to kill aphids, weevils and other insects including the insect
predators that feed on them (a counter-productive effect). Most
insecticides are compounds containing phosphorus and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
These chemicals do not degrade easily and can accumulate in the body resulting
in, amongst other things, liver failure. The use of insecticides has increased
17 times in the last two decades.
Herbicides
Used to kill plants. Some kill everything they come into contact with while
others are species specific. Herbicides consist of highly varied chemicals that
kill the plant by blocking its metabolism. When ingested by humans some may only
cause mild to moderate symptoms while others are fatal if consumed. The use of
herbicides has grown 15 times over the last two decades.
Rodenticides
Designed to kill rodents. Many contain anti-coagulants, causing the animal to
bleed to death, such as warfarin. Metal phosphides are also used such as zinc
and aluminium. Strychnine is also commonly applied. The risks to human health, if
ingested, are enormous.
Fungicides
Used to kill fungi that infect growing crops, fruit and stored seeds. For this
reason they are mostly sprayed directly onto the part of the food that is to be
eaten. These fungi are often microscopic and include mildews, pin moulds, yeasts
and rusts. They are usually based on compounds containing metals such as copper
or mercury or hydrocarbons containing sulphur. The use of fungicides has doubled
every year for the past 20 years.
Waxing of Produce and Pesticide Residues
Produce is regularly waxed in an attempt to retain its moisture. Beeswax and
shellac are mostly used and are not considered toxic enough to cause concern.
The real problem arises when they are mixed with some pesticides or fungicides.
The resulting chemical cocktail, especially when captan or folpet is involved,
is highly carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Pesticide Residues in Animal Products vs. Plant Based Foods
Most people’s concerns about organic foods are centred on fruits and
vegetables. Although these crops are subjected to an array of chemicals the real
problem appears to be the meat and dairy. This is because most pesticide
residues are known as lipophilic, which means they are attracted to fat. They
lodge in the fat tissues of the animal, bird or fish becoming more and more
concentrated as they move up the food chain. The Centre for Science in the
Public Interest, who are a consumer watchdog group, reported that pesticide
residues are more frequently found in meat, poultry, fish, butter and lard than
fruit and vegetables. In his book 'Diet For A Poisoned Planet' David Steinman
processed a vast amount of data from the Total Diet Study conducted by the FDA.
He concluded that foods could be divided into three categories according to the
number of toxins found in them. He named these categories 'red' (for most
toxic), 'yellow' (for moderate), and 'green' for lowest in poisonous substances.
With the exception of raisins and peanuts* all the foods in the 'red' group were
meat and dairy products.
* Raisins are derived from drying fruits that are notorious for being subjected
to chemical spraying. Peanuts often contain a highly toxic carcinogen called aflatoxin, which is caused by the mould aspergillus flavus, and are not
recommended by the author as a safe food unless their freshness can be
guaranteed.
Water
A recent survey of drinking water identified that in 298 cases the water was
contaminated with chemical pesticides at a concentration exceeding the Maximal
Admissible Concentration (MAC) by one quarter. Altogether, sixteen different
active pesticide ingredients were found plus other industrial pollutants. It was
concluded that the increasing amounts of nitrogen-based
fertilisers being added to the soil was to blame. Only about half of fertilisers
are taken up by the crop, the remainder is washed into our waterways.
Your Health
An in-depth study was done by the London Food Commission on the ingredients
currently permitted for the use in pesticide manufacture. The results revealed
that almost 40% of pesticides currently in use could damaged the body in at
least one way. Of the 426 chemicals listed 68 were found to be carcinogenic, 61
capable of mutating genes, 35 to have various reproductive effects ranging from
impotence to birth defects, and 93 to cause skin irritations and other symptoms.
Of all the studies researched by the author the condition most frequently
referred to in relation to agricultural chemicals is cancer.
Nutrient Depletion
The poisoning of our foods is only part of the story, there are also
implications regarding their nutrient value. According to Leslie Kenton in her
book 'Endless Energy', there is no way to compensate for the structural
information missing when the organic matter in the soil has been destroyed by
chemical farming. Dr Paavo Airola, in his classic book 'How to Get Well', warned
us back in 1974 'Organically grown fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins
and minerals, as has been shown in many tests. They also contain more enzymes
than the produce grown on depleted, chemically fertilised soils. Such foods have
a greater health-building and disease-preventative potential.' He went on to say
'Researchers reported recently that anti-malignancy factors are apparently
present in organically grown foods.' In contrast, the Institute of Food
Technology reported in 1990 that there is 'no evidence that organically grown
foods are more healthful than those produced conventionally.'
Well, dear reader, what reason can you think of that might have lead them to
that conclusion? If they were named the 'Institute for Human Health' we might
take them more seriously.
The Far Reaching Implications - Why Encourage Organic Farming?
We can only be as healthy as the planet upon which we live. The six primary
benefits of organic farming have been listed by the International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movement:
1. Localism. The farm draws upon local resources rather than importing long
distance.
2. Soil Improvement. Re-establishes the health and quality of the soil rather
than raping it of its nutrients.
3. Pollution abatement. The poisoning of earth, water, foods and wildlife is
reduced.
4. Quality of produce. Emphasis is placed on nutritional content rather than
appearance of foods.
5. Energy use. The use of fossil fuels such as oil is kept to a minimum.
6. Employment. Results in more employment of a superior rewarding nature both
ethically and financially.
Making The Best Choices
Not everything labelled as 'organic' is fit for human consumption.
'Organic' shampoo is a case in point! The word has, like all words that ride on
fashionable consumer bandwagons, become perverted in its meaning. The following
guidelines will help you make the healthiest and safest choices:
1. In the USA each state has its own governing body that sets standards for
organic produce. The state of California is the strictest. Look for produce that
carries their certification entitled the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
2. Maximise your consumption of plant based foods and avoid all meat and dairy.
3. Buy local produce whenever possible.
4. Focus on buying foods that are in season.
5. Be suspicious of produce displaying perfect flawless shape and un-naturally
shiny skin.
6. Rub as well as wash produce. Farmers do not invest large amounts of money
into chemicals that will wash off with the first drop of rain!
7. Non-organically grown apples and soft fruits are heavily sprayed. If organic
alternatives are not available you are better off peeling them even though vital
nutrients in the skin will be lost. If grapes are your preferred choice, search
for a dedicated partner who is willing to peel them for you!
8. Support local organic farmers.
9. Best of all, 'grow your own.' It is possible to grow more than most people
think even in the smallest of places. Even window boxes can produce a plentiful
harvest. Gardening is also a very effective form of stress management too. Have
you ever seen a frenetic, time obsessed gardener?
10. Choose bottled water to drink in preference to tap water.
It is an unfortunate but realistic fact that money is more of a driving force in
industry than health. If humankind is to survive we need to reverse the
destruction of the planet on which we live and reclaim our health. The choices
we make today as consumers not only effect our own health but have a profound
impact upon our children’s futures. The best way forward is for us to all
develop enquiring minds, an unquestionable pursuit of that which is in
accordance with natural law and a mistrust of anything that appears perfect!
Remember, your purse has more voting power than your voice. I vote organic --
what’s your vote?
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: The information on this page is
not in any way offered as prescription, diagnosis nor treatment for any disease,
illness, infirmity or physical condition. Any form of self-treatment or
alternative health program necessarily must involve an individual's acceptance
of some risk, and no one should assume otherwise.
Persons needing medical care should consult a doctor or physician before making
any health decision
Kevin James Rogers
Director
Nivek Nywnorb Sregor & Co Pty Ltd
trading as:
Retsel Australia & GrainMaster Australian Whisper Mill Distributors
P.O. Box 712,
Dandenong, Vic 3175
Australia
Telephone (03) 9795 2725 or mobile (0414) 95 2725
Fax (03) 9713 2622
International phone (61 3) 9795 2725 or mobile (61 414) 95 2725
International fax (61 3) 9713 2622
E-mail kevinjamesrogers@bigpond.com
Web sites: http://www.retsel.com.au -
http://www.grainmaster.com.au