The multiple chemical molecules present in our environment can have deleterious effects on our organisms. Many of these mysterious pollutants are hidden on our plates. But from the supermarket to the end of the fork, simple gestures make it possible to limit exposure.
How to choose the right products to avoid pollutants?
Choosing the right foods helps to limit the presence of pesticides in our diet. In case of high exposure, pollutants can cause health problems. Here are the tips from our experts for choosing the right products to avoid pollutants as much as possible.
Buy mostly unprocessed
Additives, processed ingredients, packaging… “The more a food deviates from what it was, the more it is likely to accumulate toxic substances”, observes Dr Laurent Chevallier. It is better to favor raw products: chicken breast rather than nuggets, fish rather than surimi, yogurt rather than a milk dessert…
Prioritize organic
“Organic agriculture prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides,” says François Veillerette, director of Générations Futures. Thus, even if they can be contaminated by neighboring crops or during transport, organic food remains much safer. According to the latest data from the European Food Safety Authority, 88% percent of organic fruit and vegetables are free of pesticide residues, and the risk of contamination is 30% percent lower on average compared to conventional agriculture.
A good reflex also to avoid exposure to pesticides with the transformed: “In organic, less than 50 additives – especially natural – are authorized against more than 300 in conventional”, underlines Dr. Chevallier.
