It may be convenient to view all produce as equally nutritious, but that is not the case as results from a growing body of scientific research indicates that there is indeed a distinct difference in the health benefits from conventionally grown produce and the benefits derived from organically grown produce.
A large scale observational study from the French organization Inserm, similar to the US NIH, has found among 69,000 participants who consistently consumed the most organic producing during a 4 year study period had a 25% less risk of developing any form of cancer; risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and all other types of lymphoma, and postmenopausal breast cancer was reduced even more significantly.
Study findings were published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise all played a role in whether or not a person will develop cancer, however the team insists their findings are significant enough to justify further studies and justify the extra cost being worth switching to organic produce.
Reason for the difference in cancer rates between those consuming organic and conventionally grown produce lies in the use of pesticides that are sprayed on conventionally grown produce, according to the researchers. EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin warns, “This study provides even more evidence to suggest pesticides in foods may be harmful. Low levels of these synthetic pesticides including those linked to cancer and other serious health problems are found in some conventionally grown produce. Choosing organics especially for those items is better for health as well as for the environment.”
Pesticides most commonly linked to cancer which are all pervasive in the environment include diazinon, organophosphates malathion, and glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in Monsanto’s toxic Roundup that is now in court to determine its role in the development of cancer in a long line of people awaiting their day in court, and restitution for the victims.
Subjects completed questionnaires regarding consumption of 16 different food including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, grains, and soy based foods. Cancer was found to be diagnosed in 1,340 of the subject between 2009-2016 of which the most common was prostate and breast cancers. Those who consumed the most organic produce and made the healthiest lifestyle choices were found to be 25% less likely to develop any form of cancer; most significant reduction was among postmenopausal breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and all other forms of lymphomas.
The best cure will always be prevention, while many may scramble to start juicing and eat organic after being diagnosed with cancer, the truth still remains the best way to fight cancer is to take steps to make sure you never develop it in the first place. Making all the necessary lifestyle changes now which includes stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, managing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising and being active, drinking enough “clean” water, maintaining a healthy weight, and as confirmed by this study switching to organic produce can help you lower the risks for cancer, yes food can be medicine.
