Natural Health News — New research suggests that people who frequently eat organic foods have a lower overall risk of developing cancer, suggesting that paying a little extra for organic fruits and vegetables might pay important dividends in the long run.
In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine those who regularly consumed the most organic foods had a 25% lower cancer risk compared with those who ate the least organic foods.
First of all, the data showed that eating more organically-grown foods was linked to a 21% reduced risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, a 77% decreased risk for all lymphomas and an 73% reduced risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, said lead researcher Julia Baudry, lead researcher and a scientist with the Center for Research and Epidemiology and Statistics at the Sorbonne Paris Cite.
Second, another study included a 22% lower risk of breast cancer overall, and a 21% lower risk of skin cancer.
Third, studies have shown that pesticides can increase DNA damage, and disrupt the endocrine system – both of which can increase risk of many cancers.
Fourth, the researchers found that the benefits of a diet higher in organic foods remained strong even after taking into account other risk factors for cancer including such as sociodemographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, as well as family history of cancer, or healthier diet in terms of nutrients and food consumption.
Also, organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides and are less likely to contain pesticide residues than conventionally produced, nonorganic foods. Crossover trials have shown that switching from consuming conventionally grown foods to organic foods decreases urinary concentrations of pesticide metabolites, suggesting reduced exposure to pesticides.
Another grear benefit is that other trials have shown that after switching to an organic diet the body can very quickly and efficiently clear pesticides from the system – in as little as two weeks.
An investment worth making
Many authorities were quick to point out that the results of this study should not discourage intake of conventional fruits and vegetables, if organic is not available or too expensive.
Baudry and her colleagues conclude, “If the findings are confirmed, promoting organic food consumption in the general population could be a promising preventive strategy against cancer.”
There is no question eating more fruits and vegetables – and doing what you can to remove surface pesticides – is better than not eating them at all. There is evidence that organic foods are also higher in some protective substances such as antioxidants and healthy fats.
23 October, 2018
By
Staff Writer
Natural Health News