The New Detox

We eat them,drink them, breathe them in and apply them to our skin – synthetic chemicals are all around us, but making informed choices about the products you use could help safeguard your future health detox.

- Faye Rowe

From pesticide residues in our fruit and vegetables, to hormone-disrupting chemicals in household cleaning products, it can be exhausting trying to keep up with the latest health warnings for everyday items. The truth is, synthetic chemicals can be found in everything from food to cosmetics, furniture, electronics and even our childrens’ toys. While many of these chemicals are widely considered to be harmless, numerous studies have shown that they could pose a threat to our health. A recent study by the University of Buffalo indicates that exposure to insecticides could put us at a higher risk of developing diabetes* while a University of Alabama study has found that parabens may increase the risk of developing breast cancer**. While it’s difficult to avoid coming into contact with synthetic chemicals completely, learning about those that are considered to be potentially harmful can help you make informed decisions about what to buy.

Pared-down plates

One of the best places to start is with your diet. Recent research commissioned by Greenpeace Japan found that switching from a conventional diet to an organic one can significantly reduce the amount of pesticides in the body*** – especially among children.

“Ecological food that is locally grown, without agrochemicals and antibiotics, can minimise exposure to these chemicals, as well as any risks like those associated with glyphosate – a probable carcinogen,” said Davin Hutchins, Food Campaigner at Greenpeace International.

As well as being blessed by having an increasing number of organic fruit and vegetable suppliers in the UAE, from Ripe to Greenheart Organic Farms, greater responsibility towards consumer wellbeing is also being adopted by supermarkets.