Most Pesticides in Your Food Are Natural
Unknown Title
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
About half (27 out of 52) of the natural pesticides tested are rodent carcinogens.
Most people assume only synthetic chemicals are dangerous, but this shows that naturally occurring plant chemicals—found in everyday foods—are just as likely to be cancer-causing in animals.
Practical Takeaways
Keep eating fruits and vegetables—they’re still the healthiest choice.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
About half (27 out of 52) of the natural pesticides tested are rodent carcinogens.
Most people assume only synthetic chemicals are dangerous, but this shows that naturally occurring plant chemicals—found in everyday foods—are just as likely to be cancer-causing in animals.
Practical Takeaways
Keep eating fruits and vegetables—they’re still the healthiest choice.
Publication
Related Content
Claims (8)
Plants produce a variety of natural chemical compounds as defensive mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens.
Almost all the pesticide-like chemicals we eat in our food come from plants themselves, not from man-made products.
Scientists have tested 52 plant-made pesticides in very high doses on animals to see if they cause cancer.
Out of the 52 plant-made pesticides tested in animals, 27 caused cancer in rodents when given very high doses.
The 27 plant chemicals that caused cancer in rats at high doses are also found in everyday foods like fruits and vegetables.