Part of the problem with pesticides (including herbicides and fungicides) is that they don't fade away. Often stable and persistent, they can be found in the environment decades later and subsequently collect in our fatty tissue. This time lapse makes it difficult to research any link with pesticides and disease.

Several studies have shown that those with high exposure to pesticides, such as farmers, have higher incidences of cancer. However given the wide-range of other influencing factors on disease, this is still debatable. Nevertheless, as a Naturopath myself, who has practised in farming areas such as the wheat belt of Horsham and fruit growing lands of Shepparton, I can testify to the increased rates of presenting infertility and allergies. Whether this can be correlated to consumption of residue is unknown.

The Food Standards Association of the UK argues that by the time pesticide-sprayed food reaches the table, the chemicals are hardly a health risk. Are we worrying for nothing?

The important point is that we know pesticides aren't necessary. And it is possible to enjoy healthy food that has no question of purity.

Organic farming works. It is founded on the belief that a healthy soil yields healthy plants which are therefore robust enough to resist disease and attack by pests. Because organic crops grow slowly, in fertile living soil, they have thicker cell walls and provide a natural barrier to pests.

The best way to minimise exposure to dangerous chemicals is to buy and eat organic.

Organic foods have the potential to protect us against disease by lowering the toxic burden from our world. And evidence suggests that the increased levels of antioxidants in organic food help combat the damage caused by carcinogenic chemicals.

When consuming 'regular' produce, take away outer leaves of vegetables such as lettuce, wash fruit and vegetables before eating with a dilute mix of purified water and bicarbonate of soda, and peel root vegetables. For vegetables with high 'flower' exposure such as broccoli, rinse with boiling water before preparing to eat. When these practises aren't possible, supplement your diet with antioxidants and essential fatty acids to maintain the integrity of your cells, which will help sustain your ongoing good health.

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