1. Be Aware that Herbicides are In Your Food.

 Is Your Food Safe? Uncovering Herbicides in Everyday Meals

Glyphosate, the active chemical in Roundup, is the most commonly used herbicide worldwide. Initially introduced in the 1970s, it was considered safe for humans based on early tests. It is the most “sprayed” in chemical in world. However, more recent findings show that glyphosate exposure can have serious health effects, including cancer risks and impacts on gut health and behavior.

What Are the Hidden Dangers of Glyphosate in Our Food?

Since 1996, the rise of glyphosate-resistant crops has led to even greater exposure, as more of this chemical is being used on crops to kill weeds. In fact, at mininum, 81% of Americans have been exposed to glyphosate today, and the amount applied to crops has increased by 1000% since the late 1970s. Agriculture companies rely on glyphosate because it helps control weeds, but this convenience comes with hidden costs to human health. Many of the foods we eat every day contain glyphosate residue, especially those made from oats, wheat, other grains, beans, ultraprocessed foods, and our drinking water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG)—a nonprofit research and advocacy group for environmental public health — considers 160 parts per billion (ppb) per day the safe limit for human consumption!

Which Products Contain the Most Glyphosate?

Here are some common products testing high for glyphosate contamination:

• Quaker Old Fashioned Oats — 1000+ ppb (parts per billion)

• 365 Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread (from Whole Foods) — 1,040 ppb

• Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch — 833 ppb

• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Maple Brown Sugar — 566 ppb

• Multi Grain Cheerios — 216 ppb

• Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares, Blueberry — 206 ppb

• Fiber One Soft-Baked Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin — 204 ppb

These levels of glyphosate are well above safe limits, raising concerns about the cumulative effect on long-term health.

 What Are the Health Risks of Glyphosate Exposure?

Exposure to glyphosate through contaminated food can lead to a number of health issues:

1. Increased Cancer Risk: Glyphosate has been linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers.

2. Gut Health: Glyphosate acts like an antibiotic, killing off beneficial gut bacteria, which can disrupt digestion and lead to mood disorders.

3. Endocrine Disruption: It can interfere with hormones, affecting everything from growth to mood regulation.

4. Nutrient Deficiency: Glyphosate binds to vital nutrients, preventing plants and humans from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B.

5. Liver Disease and Neurotoxicity: Long-term exposure can lead to liver disease

   and damage to the nervous system, affecting behavior and motor function.

Although glyphosate is everywhere, there are ways you can reduce your exposure:

• Look for "Glyphosate Residue Free" Labels
  The Detox Project offers certification for products free of glyphosate. Check for these labels when shopping.

• Buy Organic Whenever Possible
  Organic foods are less likely to contain glyphosate since it’s not allowed in organic farming. Studies show that people who switch to organic diets can reduce glyphosate levels in their bodies by 70% in just six days.

• Get a n Activated Carbon or Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
  The EWG recommmends filtering municipal drinking water because, depending on your area, between 1 and 6 ppb of glyphosate is likely present in the water that you use everyday.

• Avoid Processed Foods
  Processed foods, like breakfast cereals, granola bars, and snack bars, often contain high levels of glyphosate. Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead.

• Avoid Using Roundup at Home
  If you grow your own food, steer clear of Roundup. Use natural herbicides or homemade weed-killers to keep your produce glyphosate-free.
  
  

  The Following Foods Have the Lowest Levels of Detected Herbicide:

• Avocados

• Sweet corn

• Pineapple

• Onions

• Papaya

• Honeydew melon

• Cabbage

• Mushrooms

• Cantaloupe

• Mangoes

• Watermelon

• Sweet potatoes

Conclusion:
Reducing glyphosate exposure starts with informed choices. By reading food labels, opting for organic, and avoiding highly processed foods, you can significantly reduce your risk. However, real change comes from advocating for stricter regulations. Join organizations like EWG in pressuring food companies to remove glyphosate from their products.