Have you ever thought about how many chemicals are used to produce your food? Chances are that you’re eating more chemicals than you think. If we take a closer look at our diet, it is easy to spot how even the healthy parts of our meals are contaminated with some kind of chemicals.
Is the food we get in markets really safe to eat?
Is your plate chemical-free or not? Read on to find out!
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers
Pesticides and fertilizers are two terms you’ve probably heard being used frequently when it comes to food production. The majority of farmers around the world including India use pesticides. According to official data released by the Government of India, over 300 pesticides are currently in use in India.
However, despite their benefits, all these pesticides and fertilizers tend to leave a chemical residue in the soil and water which takes years to dissipate. It also has adverse effects on the human body which unknowingly consumes the chemicals.
Out of the 300 pesticides currently in use in India, 24 compounds, including sulfur, endosulfan, mancozeb, and phosphate, are deemed to be particularly dangerous. Many of these chemicals work by upsetting the nerve system to kill the pests for which they were meant. These substances can be harmful to humans as well because of similar biochemistry.Chemical pesticides and insecticides have been linked to a wide range of adverse health impacts, including skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, damage to the nervous system, respiratory problems, and more.
Children are especially susceptible to pesticide residue exposure. Their developing bodies accumulate the chemical fertilizers and pesticides which, in turn, have been linked to a number of conditions, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral and emotional disorders, and developmental delays.
Presence of wax and carbides in fruits
When you go to the fruit aisle in the supermarket market you’ll notice that the fruits have a glint to them like it has been freshly washed and shined to perfection. Unfortunately, this is not a natural shine. The shine actually comes from artificial wax which is used to coat the fruits to make them look better to eat, prevent water loss, and help extend their shelf life. These waxes are made using either natural waxes like shellacs or synthetic like petroleum and resins. In some cases, both types are used together on one fruit.
Besides wax, you can also find traces of calcium carbides in fruits and vegetables.Prolonged usage of calcium carbide is known to cause skin burns, skin irritations and inflammation. Consumption of calcium carbide is also known to damage the nervous system as well as cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Acetylene, which is generated from carbide, reduces the oxygen supply to the brain. It causes headache, vertigo, dizziness, delirium, and in extreme cases, seizures, and in some extreme cases, even coma.
Antibiotics and hormones
Meat lovers might not rejoice once they hear this. Chicken, one of the most popular meats in India, is not completely 100% safe for consumption. Many chicken farmers feed their animals antibiotics such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides to make them grow faster, and bigger, appear healthier and prevent any infection during hatching.
Not just chickens may harm humans, but other animals as well. Hormones and other substances are known to be present in cow milk. One such hormone that has an impact on both humans and animals is oxytocin, a lactation hormone released during breastfeeding. When oxytocin enters the human body, it can have a variety of negative consequences that may cause hormonal imbalance leading to infertility.
Solution
So, there you have it, the various chemicals and substances in your food that you are consuming without your knowledge. Now that you know what is happening to your step, the next step is to find a solution. In this case, the solution is simple- Know your source, practice farm traceability, and make a conscious choice in favor of clean, organic food.
At Purity Prayag (formerly 24 Mantra Organic Farm Shop), our mission is to bring you natural, healthy, toxin-free products that will make your life easier and better. All our products are locally sourced from ethical farmers who engage in chemical-free and environmentally friendly farming practices.
