If you follow nutrition trends, you’ve probably seen the word glyphosate surface over the past few years. There has been significant debate and controversy surrounding glyphosate, particularly regarding its potential health and environmental effects. You may be wondering exactly what it is and what impact it may have on our health and well-being.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, which is a chemical designed to kill weeds and unwanted plants. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since become one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. Glyphosate is commonly used in conventional farming practice’s and is regularly sprayed on crops, aka the food we eat.
Some studies and regulatory agencies have raised concerns about the possible negative impact long-term exposure to glyphosate may have on our health, including it’s impact on converting normal healthy cells to cancer cells (meaning, it causes cancer!). Additionally, there have been concerns about its potential effects on the environment, such as soil, insects, and aquatic life. These issues have led to regulatory action restricting glyphosate’s use in some parts of the world, however we have not seen any of these restrictions in the US.
It’s important to note that the understanding of glyphosate’s effects is an ongoing and complex issue. Different regulatory bodies and scientific studies have reached varying conclusions regarding its safety. As new research emerges, regulations and recommendations may continue to evolve. It’s always advisable to consult with experts or relevant authorities regarding the use and safety of glyphosate.
Is Glyphosate Bad For Our Health?
The potential health effects of glyphosate have been a huge subject of debate and controversy. While some studies suggest a link between glyphosate exposure and certain health concerns, others argue there is no significant risk. When reviewing studies, I always recommend digging into what organization sponsored the study and determining if that entity has a personal or financial stake in the results of the study.
Here are a few reasons why glyphosate has been a topic of concern regarding our health:
- Carcinogenicity: The World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. A carcinogen is “a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue” (dictionary.com). It’s recommended by a number of regulatory agencies that people take measures to limit or avoid exposure to carcinogenic substances.
- Endocrine Disruption: Some studies have suggested that glyphosate may have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production in our bodies. Endocrine disruption can have various negative effects on reproductive, developmental, and metabolic processes.
- Impacts on Gut Health: Certain studies have indicated that glyphosate may have a negative impact on the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. The gut plays a crucial role in our health, influencing digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.
- Potential Harm to the Environment: Glyphosate is designed to kill weeds, but there are concerns about its impact on the surrounding organisms, such as soil, bees, butterflies, and aquatic life. The loss of plant and insect diversity due to widespread glyphosate use can disrupt ecosystems, which may have long-term cascading effects on the overall biodiversity of our planet.
What Can We Do To Avoid Glyphosate?
Some of the foods that commonly have the highest levels of glyphosate include corn, soy, wheat, oats, and chickpeas, so focus your efforts here first. Coincidentally, corn, soybeans, and wheat are also frequently found in highly-processed foods in one form or another.
To reduce potential exposure to glyphosate in your diet, consider the following measures:
- Choose Organic Foods: Organic farming practices prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate. By selecting organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods, you can minimize your exposure to glyphosate residues. You can also visit the EWG’s Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists to identify where you should splurge on organic and, if you can’t buy all organic, which fruits and vegetables have lower pesticide residues.
- Wash and Peel Produce: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. While washing may not completely remove all pesticide residues, it can help reduce their presence. Additionally, consider peeling fruits and vegetables with edible skins, as residues are more likely to be present on the outer surface. However, the skin often contains vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients that are beneficial to our health, so choosing organic and eating the skin is the better option.
- Diversify Your Diet: Consuming a diverse range of foods can help minimize exposure to any single pesticide, including glyphosate. By incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and proteins into your diet, you can reduce potential exposure.
- Read Labels: When purchasing packaged food products, read the label and look for “glyphosate-free” or “no glyphosate” claims. Keep in mind that such claims should be supported by reliable certifications or testing. Many big-name food manufacturers may claim to be healthy or all-natural, but a quick peek at the label can reveal the opposite. Don’t be fooled by their marketing tactics!
- Choose Non-GMO Foods: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are often engineered to be glyphosate-resistant, allowing farmers to apply glyphosate-based herbicides to control weeds without harming the crop. By opting for non-GMO foods, you can potentially reduce your exposure to pesticide residues.
- Support Local and Sustainable Agriculture: Consider buying your food from local farmers who adopt sustainable farming practices. By visiting farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, you can gain a better understanding of the farming methods used and potentially find options with reduced pesticide use.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest research, regulations, and recommendations regarding glyphosate and food safety. Science and regulatory guidelines may evolve over time, and staying informed can help you make the most educated choices.
Remember that while these measures can help reduce potential glyphosate exposure, it is challenging to completely eliminate all sources of exposure. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that can be present in various environmental elements, including the soil, water, and air. Supporting businesses that engage in sustainable agriculture practices and advocating for regulatory change are ways that we can impact our foods safety for the future.
It’s important to note that the conclusions on glyphosate’s health effects can vary between different regulatory bodies and scientific studies. Some organizations have deemed glyphosate safe when used properly, while others have called for more cautious approaches or restrictions. Ongoing research and regulatory assessments aim to provide clearer insights into the potential risks associated with glyphosate exposure. The best thing we can do as consumers is to understand the research and potential hazards, and use that information to make the most educated decisions we can.
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