When we see the word "organic" on our food labels, we often assume that the product is healthy and free from any harmful chemicals. However, this assumption may not always be accurate. While organic foods may be free from pesticides and other toxic chemicals, they can still be processed and contain harmful additives. In this blog, we will explore why the label "organic" does not necessarily mean the food is healthy.
Toxic Chemicals in Organic Foods:
One of the main reasons why people choose organic foods is to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals commonly used in conventional agriculture. However, even organic foods can contain toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can be present in the soil, water, or air and can contaminate organic crops. In fact, a study by the Organic Consumers Association found that some organic foods contained high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
@taborplace Organic is just another way companies greenwash their food - if it’s extremely processed, then it’s got a ton plastic in it. 🍟Processed foods absorb tons of plastic from all the points of production - as every conveyor belt and tray is covered in different types of plastic. ☠️Ultra-processed foods are directly linked to higher mortality rates. Platics like Bisphenols & phthalates have been implicated as a main cause. ##endocrinedisruptors #plasticisbad #toxicchemicals #endocrinedisruptingchemicals #phthalatefree #pfas #phthalates #bpas #bisphenols #foreverchemicals #greenwashing #organicfood #processedfoods ♬ original sound - Beatrice, CEO of Tabor Place
Processed Organic Foods:
Another reason why organic foods may not be healthy is that many of them are processed. Processed organic foods may contain harmful additives such as sugar, salt, and artificial flavors. For example, organic cookies, chips, and other snack foods may be made with organic ingredients, but they can still be high in calories, sugar, and salt.
Phthalates and Bisphenols:
Phthalates and bisphenols are chemicals commonly found in plastics, and they have been linked to numerous health problems, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children. While organic foods may not be packaged in plastic, they can still be exposed to these chemicals during processing or transportation. For example, phthalates have been found in organic dairy products, and bisphenol A (BPA) has been detected in canned organic foods.
Sources:
To support the claims made in this blog, here are some sources:
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The Organic Consumers Association. (2018). Organic Spices Contaminated with Synthetic Chemicals. Retrieved from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/organic-spices-contaminated-synthetic-chemicals
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Kim, J. H., Park, H. J., Bae, S., Lim, Y. H., Hong, Y. C. (2017). Urinary phthalate metabolites in relation to bisphenol A and nonylphenol exposure among the Korean population. Environmental Pollution, 225, 102-109.
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Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós, A., Ruso, B., Fernandez-Blanco, C., Carmona, A., & Cámara, M. (2016). Determination of bisphenol A and its analogues in canned organic foods by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 33(11), 1719-1729.
In conclusion, the label "organic" does not necessarily mean the food is healthy. Organic foods may still contain toxic chemicals, be processed, and contain harmful additives. Consumers should look beyond the label and read the ingredient list and nutrition information to make informed decisions about their food choices.