Re-reading the article I can understand your concerns. Sometimes passion can be mistaken for quackery and give the impression of lack of credibility but beneath I guess what I most hope for is that people not be blinded and swayed by each new study but driven by common sense.

The study was done by Newcastle University in the UK led by Professor Carlo Leifert. Here is a link to the BBC’s media release http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7067100.stm and the Guardian’s science section http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2007/oct/29/organics.sciencenews .

If you put toxic chemicals onto plants and soil that provides the raw materials for the plant which in turn nourishes the body doesn’t it make sense that it may play havoc with the building blocks that determine how nutritious the plant in turn is?

Think of the billions of micro-organisms that exist in a handful of soil, think of the thousands of delicate compounds that make up a plant. When you put chemicals designed to kill insects (and micro-organism that contribute the strength and nutrient profile of the plant) doesn’t it makes sense that this may not only cause potential harm to those who use the chemicals as is evident by the deaths associated with the use of these chemicals but would diminish the quality of the nutrient profile of the plant?

Oh, here I go again!!!

As a former chef, I know that the quality of the ingredients you use in anything, determine the quality of the end product. What I suggest people do is try it for a month, eat real food, eat organic food, better yet grow your own, nothing with chemicals in it. Taste the difference, feel the difference, don’t wait for studies to confirm it.

Don’t listen to anyone, me, your skeptical discursive internal dialogue or the many food companies that plant information in the media to create doubt (think about all the billions of dollars worth of food products that would have less value if organic was proven to be better, think of all the farming practices that would have to change, chemical companies that would loose money if organics were better and consumers demanded it, , which is happening by the way). If you take the chemicals out and listen your body will tell you what is good for it.

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Believe it or not I have just discovered your comments on my website admin system today. I have a serious case of technological retardation which I am actively seeking treatment for, please forgive while the rehabilitation process transpires.

I do have an all day workshop at the RACV club in Melbourne on the 16th of November which you can find more information on the home page of the website if you like.

Thanks for the kind comments and I hope to see you there.

Warmth and wellth,
Sherry

Martha