Many believe the Monsanto Roundup herbicide is the best weed killer. But did you know that it has a dark side, too? For example, Monsanto Roundup uses glyphosate as an active ingredient.
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a chemical that is under hot discussion in the farming world. It is the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Monsanto Roundup. Tests have confirmed the presence of glyphosate in food. Virtually all conventional produce and food products contain traces of this chemical. As with all subjects of debate, many studies claim Roundup herbicide and glyphosate pose no risk to humans.[2]
Advocates of conventional farming (the type that allows the use of these artificial substances) argue that glyphosate toxicity will not occur because recommended levels are not exceeded.
This statement may be true for a single chemical in a single product. However, it does not account for the sheer number of potentially toxic chemicals we are exposed to in modern society. We find these in our food, water, the materials we use to make products and clothing, and the air we breathe.
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A cocktail of chemicals – will we all respond the same?
A chemical may be tested and found safe at a certain level, but it is unlikely that a product’s full cocktail of chemicals has been tested. Molecular biologist Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini has demonstrated that pesticide formulations are much stronger than their declared active ingredients. Additionally, the active ingredient may not be the most toxic in pesticide formulations.[1]
Coupled with these issues, there is little consideration for variations in sensitivity between individuals. Similarly, the consequences of exposure to many different chemicals over a day or a lifetime are given little consideration.
Glyphosate and health concerns
In March 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic in humans” (category 2A). This is based on epidemiological studies, animal studies, and in-vitro studies.[3] [4]
The links between glyphosate and various health concerns and conditions are becoming increasingly evident. Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has found strong links between glyphosate use and the rise in celiac disease. She explains that the villi in the gut are destroyed by glyphosate. This reduces the person’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals and can result in gut problems.[5]
Glyphosate has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor [6]. There is a strong correlation between glyphosate and the increased incidence of many diseases, from cancer to dementia, to autism[7] [8] [9]. The World Health Organization lists several adverse health effects caused by glyphosate. These include airway, skin, and mucous membrane irritation; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; shock; dyspnea; and respiratory failure.
Organic food definition
Organic foods and products are those produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals.
Advocates of organic farming believe it is wise to err on the side of caution when producing food and products containing ingredients such as glyphosate. Who wants to risk a build-up of toxic residue that could lead to serious health problems? It is much safer to ban ‘questionable’ chemical ingredients and find a proven safe alternative than to live by the mantra of innocent until proven guilty.
Ways to reduce exposure
Are you concerned about the safety of food production methods using synthetic chemicals such as glyphosate? The only way to drastically reduce exposure is by choosing certified organic products. You can also grow your own or get food from a local farmer you know is not using these chemicals.
Are you unsure how to shift from a conventional to an organic diet? Do you have concerns about personal budgeting restraints? If so, focusing on the dirty dozen is a good place to start making changes. This is a list of the twelve foods in New Zealand that have been identified as having the highest pesticide residues [10]
Where To Get Organic Products
IHerb is a great ‘go-to’ online health shop for certified organic and natural products, and they deliver worldwide.
They stock many groceries, household items, and personal care products. Not all the products are organic, but each item is clearly labeled with all information and ingredients. Therefore, it is easy to find organic if you want it. Try typing ‘certified organic’ into the search box, or search by brands that you know are certified organic.
Click here to check out what they offer and see the latest prices.
Read more about the advantages of organic farming
Soil and health – the basis for Organics
It’s more sustainable, and it costs less!
[1] “Food Matters – Life matters!” article. Organic NZ magazine. May/June 2015.
[2] http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/10408444.2013.770820
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Agency_for_Research_on_Cancer#IARC_categories
[4] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/widely-used-herbicide-linked-to-cancer/
[5] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/14/glyphosate-celiac-disease-connection.aspx
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1257596/
[7] http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/92/JOS_Volume-9_Number-2_Nov_2014-Swanson-et-al.pdf
[8] https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/monsantos-roundup-enough-make-you-sick
[9] https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/monsantos-sealed-documents-reveal-truth-behind-roundups-toxicological-dangers
[10] http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/2003_04-Analyses_Environmental.pdf
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