Why Should We Eat Less Non-Organic Food?

Everyone deserves access to healthy food. However, in reality, organic food is often more expensive and offers less variety compared to what you can find in a typical local supermarket. Statistics show that only about 2% of farmland worldwide is organic, and approximately 3% in the UK (gov.uk, Wikipedia). This means that the vast majority of people, around 98% globally, are consuming non-organic food.

Since the rise of mass food production in the 1950s, the use of pesticides, antibiotics, additives, and preservatives has significantly increased. Scientific research has shown that many of these chemicals may negatively impact our health. So, let’s explore how non-organic food could be affecting our well-being.

1. Pesticide Exposure

Conventional farming uses synthetic pesticides to protect crops from insects and disease. Traces of these chemicals often remain on the food we eat, even after washing.

Health concerns linked to pesticides include:

• Hormone disruption

• Increased risk of certain cancers

• Neurological effects, especially in children

• Potential fertility issues

While the amounts in individual foods may be small, constant exposure over time can build up, especially in young children or pregnant women.

2. Antibiotic Resistance

In conventional livestock farming, animals are often given antibiotics, not just when they are sick, but also to promote their growth. This can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which makes it harder to treat infections in humans.

3. Hormones in Meat and Dairy

Some non-organic dairy and meat products may come from animals treated with artificial hormones to increase milk or meat production.

Potential risks include:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Early puberty in children

• Possible links to breast, prostate, and other hormone-related cancers

Europe has stricter rules on hormone use in farming than some other parts of the world, but imported products may still carry risk.

4. Additives and Preservatives

Many non-organic processed foods contain synthetic additives, such as food dyes, flavour enhancers, and preservatives to improve shelf life or appearance.

While most are considered safe in small amounts, studies suggest that some additives may contribute to:

• Hyperactivity and attention issues in children

• Allergic reactions

• Digestive discomfort

• Long-term inflammation

5. Lower Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of food has been declining since the 1950s due to soil depletion, the use of high-yield crop varieties, synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and long storage and transport times. These factors can reduce the concentration of key vitamins and minerals in our food.

Some research suggests that organic produce contains slightly higher levels of antioxidants, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally grown food.

What Can We Do to Eat More Safely?

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce pesticide residues and surface chemicals.

• Peel produce when possible to remove any wax coatings, pesticide residues, or contaminants on the skin.

• Buy organic for fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher pesticide levels (e.g. strawberries, spinach, apples, grapes, peaches, and cherries).

• Choose locally produced fruits and vegetables, which are often fresher and may require fewer preservatives.

• Select antibiotic-free and hormone-free meat and dairy to reduce your exposure to harmful residues.

• Limit ultra-processed packaged foods, which often contain additives, preservatives, and hidden sugars or fats.

Conclusion

Consuming non-organic food over time, with regular exposure to pesticides, hormones, and additives, may have subtle or even serious effects on our health. While it may not be realistic to switch entirely to organic food, making small, conscious changes can make a meaningful difference.

Start by choosing organic for those with higher pesticide levels, opting for antibiotic-free and hormone-free meat and dairy, and reducing your intake of highly processed foods. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly at home can also help reduce chemical residues.

The more we demand safer food, the more likely it is that healthier options will become available on the market. These small steps can help protect your body, support your immune system, and lead to a healthier lifestyle overall.