Are Pesticides Bad For You?
Short answer
Yes, pesticides are bad for you. They are designed to kill bugs and as a result, are toxic and accumulate inside the human colon.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
As the name implies, pesticides are designed to kill pests (primarily insects) that chew on plants and destroy crops. While there are seven of them that have been approved by the medieval sounding Codex Alimentarius Commission, the fact is that pesticides are poisons. Far from providing you with any important nutrients, pesticides lace the body with toxic chemicals and may even force you to deplete nutrients.
When you eat food that has been sprayed with pesticides, the chemicals go to and stay in the colon, where they accumulate and can cause damage. The dangers of long-term pesticide accumulation are yet to be fully known, but studies have linked pesticide ingestion with nervous system damage and diseases like Alzheimer's, ADHD, and cancer.
Furthermore, when you peel the skin of a fruit or vegetable in an effort to rid the object of pesticides, not only is it possible that food with soft skin can have pesticides throughout, but you are also removing one of the most nutrient-rich parts of the plant.
There isn't a single good thing to say about taking in chemicals designed for one purpose - to kill living organisms. If possible, avoid eating foods contaminated with pesticides, though this may be difficult. At the very least, be sure to rinse your produce with water extremely well. Adding salt to the water or even a bit of vinegar is said to be even more effective at rinsing away pesticide residue. Lastly, it is important to note that organic foods still contain pesticides, however, they are "natural pesticides" and safer than the typical kind.
Possible short-term side effects
- nutrient depletion
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weakened immune system
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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adhd (in children)
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colon problems
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alzheimer's disease
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nervous system damage
Benefits
- controls:
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pest infestations
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diseases
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weeds
Healthier alternatives
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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