I mentioned ultra processed foods in my last post which looks and tastes like a treat but does not have the same effect on your body. There are other foods that are described as “healthy” which are also harmful – specifically foods that contain pesticides. I used to eat a lot of clementines due to its health benefits especially during the winter period to support the immune system.
However, I discovered that some foods are treated with fungicides such as Imazalil. These chemicals carry risks of hormonal disruption, cancer and liver/kidney issues. When a relatively healthy person visits a doctor, but the doctor cannot explain the cause of the issue a person is experiencing – could it be the effect of these chemicals to the body?
I read the labels of the “healthy” foods I eat before making a purchase, although the information is not always available. Some of the products have a “Not for EU” label due to Brexit and some different guidelines on food standards. I choose organic foods instead and eat less where I used to consume larger amounts under the impression I was eating healthy foods.
It is important for people to have the same level of information for healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables in the same way as ultra processed foods, so that they can make an informed choice of what they choose to eat. Especially where issues relating to diet is having a huge impact on the UK government spending for the NHS, as the costs continue to grow. Organic foods may be more expensive in the short term, but quality is better than quantity and cheaper in the long term.