We have recently been subjected to lots of scary messaging about chemicals in our environment carried by activists and prevalent on social media.  While there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this messaging, we understand consumer concerns which is why we want to share some reassuring science.

First, among the best ways to protect your body is by consuming a diet rich in antioxidants.  A recent blog post by Dr. Sylvia Klinger, DBA, MS, RDN, CPT, and founder of Hispanic & Multicultural Nutrition Communications, examined how antioxidants work:

“Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals—unstable atoms or molecules that can damage cells. Free radicals are produced naturally in the body as a byproduct of metabolism, but their levels can increase due to factors like pollution, smoking, radiation, and poor diet. When free radicals accumulate, they cause oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases, aging, and cellular damage.

“Examples of powerful antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, green tea, and dark chocolate…”

Antioxidants found in foods like fruits and vegetables help mitigate oxidative stress linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Oxidative stress is also a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases and antioxidants, like flavonoids and polyphenols also found in fruits and vegetables, may help improve cognitive function.

But what about cancer risk from pesticide residues?  That has been extensively studied by scientists too.  One study looked at the risk/benefit of consuming a diet rich in conventionally grown produce and pesticide residue exposure. This peer reviewed research found if half of Americans increased their consumption of a conventionally grown fruit and vegetable by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented annually.  Another example of the nutritional power of produce.

There are literally decades of nutrition studies that show how a diet rich in fruits and vegetables prevents diseases and increases lifespan with more emerging all the time.  New research published in Lancet in May analyzed data from over 2.2 million people across 17 studies and found that those who followed a diet rich in plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, had a lower risk of developing cancer and a lower risk of dying from it. (It should be noted that most nutritional studies verifying the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet were conducted using conventionally grown produce.)

As one publication stated when covering the Lancet study: “This is especially uplifting news at a time when health headlines often feel bleak or overwhelming.”  We couldn’t agree more.

So next time you are exposed to a scary health headline or social media post, reach for that apple, strawberry or grab a salad and let the antioxidants and vitamins go to work protecting your body.

And be reassured that choosing organic or conventional produce is always the right choice since decades of toxicology studies and government data verify the safety and nutritional value of both.