Should I Eat Organic Food During Pregnancy?
So what about better nutrition for pregnancy? Can’t I just get the extra nutrients I need for a healthy pregnancy through my pregnancy multivitamins? Yes, you may be able to. But the foods you are eating may be responsible for a lot more than the average baby brain may think! We are talking about pesticides on fruit and vegetables and why eating organic is best.
Research
A large amount of research demonstrates how pregnancy and fertility rates can be affected by chemical we are ingesting. All this even though we are eating our best intention "gluten free – dairy free – vegan – sugar free – everything free salad". Did you know that pesticides can disrupt both female and male hormones and affect fertility?
Also who wants those chemicals to affect their gorgeous little pooing machine? No thank you! This is why #organic is best.
Is it worth the extra dollars I hear you say? "Yes" is the answer and here is a reason why. One study1 published in 2017 compared the dietary habits of two groups of women. One consumed two servings of high pesticide fruits or vegetables per day and the other consumed one serve each day. It found that the two serves group were 18% less likely to become pregnant. Furthermore, they were 26% less likely to have a live birth than women with slightly less exposure.
WOW! Switching to organic fruit and vegetables not only improves your chances of conceiving, it also reduces your risk of miscarriage!
One more slightly scary statistic for you. A study2 from 2017 found that exposure to pesticides in males caused a significant decrease in sperm concentration, decreased testosterone and reduced fertility.
Going Organic
So, how can you increase your intake of organic fruits and vegetables easily and affordably? Try your local farmer's markets! Also, use the "Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen" guide to sort out which items are important to buy organic. Some fruit and vegetables need more chemicals sprayed on them for growth and to keep the critters at bay. For example, spinach and berries are highly sprayed. Using the guide mentioned is a great way to reduce your toxic load.
