choose organic: pesticides linked to ADHD
May 18, 2010
photo tucson citizen
clearly, the point of a pesticide is to KILL bugs – they do this with chemicals called organophosphates – chosen for this specific effect on the nervous system. the specific effect again, is death. what did they think they were going to do to humans? the study author postulates that pesticides act on a set of brain chemicals closely related to those involved in ADHD.
“Detectable levels of pesticides are present in a large number of fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S., according to a 2008 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited in the study. In a representative sample of produce tested by the agency, 28 percent of frozen blueberries, 20 percent of celery, and 25 percent of strawberries contained traces of one type of organophosphate. Other types of organophosphates were found in 27 percent of green beans, 17 percent of peaches, and 8 percent of broccoli.”
so this means that these veggies should really be bought organic whenever possible
“Although kids should not stop eating fruits and vegetables, buying organic or local produce whenever possible is a good idea Organic fruits and vegetables contain much less pesticides, so I would certainly advise getting those for children…National surveys have also shown that fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets contain less pesticides even if they’re not organic.”
there are some limits to this specific research – they are doing larger, longer term studies, but, as the article notes, the authors suspect that an even greater link will be found between levels of exposure and psychological/behavioral symptoms in kids.
i know organic food costs more, but what’s the price limit you’re willing to place when it comes to your family’s long term health
just because the store says it’s ok to eat? the food you eat goes through a heck of lot before it gets to your plate, try to eat lower on the complication scale.
