To Go Organic or Not Organic?

With all the confused media-frenzied information swirling around, sometimes it can be hard to figure out the straight facts, especially when it comes to nutrition and health, so I want to lay out, as straight as I can, my opinions on organic vs non organic food.

My predominant concerns lie in the health implications of gobbling up pesticides, antibiotics and chemicals which many non-organic foods have been subjected to.

Lets have a closer look at what this means below:

1. Organophosphates, widely used insecticides, have been linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children. They may affect cognitive function and contribute to developmental delays as well as other neurological effects in adults (Tsai YH & Lein PJ. Mechanisms of organophosphate neurotoxicity. Curr Opin Toxicol. 2021 Jun;26:49-60)

2. Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It has raised concerns due to its potential carcinogenicity. (Zhang Q, et al. The study of human serum metabolome on the health effects of glyphosate and early warning of potential damage. Chemosphere. 2022 Jul;298:134308)

3. Certain pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking or blocking hormones. This may lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive health, fertility, and potentially increasing the risk of conditions like breast or prostate cancer. (Park J, et al. Interventions on Reducing Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Human Health Care Context: A Scoping Review. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2022 Apr 26;15:779-791)

4. Some pesticides are classified as ‘Persistent Organic Pollutants, AKA, ‘POPs’, which can accumulate in the body's fatty tissues. This accumulation over time may contribute to immune system suppression, reproductive issues, and other health problems. (Reina-Pérez I, et al. Cross-sectional associations of persistent organic pollutants measured in adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome in clinically diagnosed middle-aged adults. Environ Res. 2023 Apr 1;222)

5. Toxic pesticides like neonicotinoids are putting bees at risk of extinction. Without these pollinators, our food system would be at risk.

6. Atrazine is a widely used herbicide linked to mammary tumors in rats, though is dismissed by the epa as being not harmful to humans- I’d like to not risk it myself though!

   Even with washing, pesticide residues can remain on conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. Consuming these residues may contribute to chronic low-level exposure, impacting health over time. Choosing organic options, washing produce thoroughly, and supporting sustainable farming practices can help minimize exposure to harmful chemicals in your diet.

   One of my favourite ways of side-stepping a completely empty piggy bank, whilst avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and sprays is to familiarise myself and my clients with The Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen (detailed below). Generally I’d recommend buying the ‘Dirty Dozen’ foods as organic and ‘The Clean 15’ as normal (albeit as local and seasonal as possible):

Of course there are many ethical and economical considerations which I haven’t taken into account here and coming from a farming family myself, I am fully aware of the necessary reliance on pesticides and chemicals that farmers face when competing in a global market.

I do think though that it’s important to have these conversations to figure out a good way forward which might be able to benefit both our incredible farmers, who tirelessly work to make sure we all have food on our plates, and the health outcomes of our society too, which may ultimately alleviate pressure on our healthcare system along the way.

❤️ ❤️Are you wanting to bring some unique sawce to your Valentines dinner this evening? Why not include these libido boosting ingredients and woo your special guest? ❤️ ❤️

1. SALMON- Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high quantities in oily fish, such as salmon, play a critical role in the development and function of the central nervous system as well as keeping our circulatory systems in check. Keeping a proper check on these things can be beneficial for inflammatory neuronal disorders and possibly influence the vulnerability and outcome in depressive disorders too. This all has an effect on libido, so, coming round full circle: Increase Omega-3s to support the circulatory and nervous systems and improve your chances of having a bonnie libido!

   Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D. The Journal of Sexual Medicine covered an article in which Italian researchers examined 143 men with erectile disfunction; 80% had suboptimal levels of vitamin D levels, and the men with severe ED had a 24% lower level of D than those with a mild form of the condition.

2. OYSTERS- Zinc, a nutrient which is particularly high in oysters, is a common one that decreases as we get older. It is important for immunity, digestive health, brain health, as well as our sense of smell. Optimising these areas all help to support proper libido.

   It doesn’t stop there though…A couple of official tests have been run; notably Fisher's exact test and Chi Square test: “The use of zinc supplementation in the intervention group significantly improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, vaginal moisture, and pain during intercourse and also the overall score of sexual function compared to the control group” (Nia, et al. 2021). It also also improves circulating testosterone levels and inhibits the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into excess estrogen.

3. PUMPKIN SEEDS- Zinc (see above)

4. LIVER- Zinc (see above) , inadequate levels of B vitamins (found in liver in goood quantities) has been linked to erectile dysfunction. B vits are extremely important for nervous system/brain health and crucial to cell metabolism and the production of blood; keeping our mood and energy levels peaked lends itself to a happy libido. Liver is also a very lean source of essential amino acids, including Arginine, which relaxes blood vessels and enables blood to flow, helping you get and keep an erection (amongst other things) and improves muscle function.

5. APPLES- Flavonols, especially quercetin (found in high quantities in apples), have been well documented for their positive effects on testicular function and production of steroid hormones in mice, including testosterone, which supports a good libido. You might have to eat more than just a wee apple mind, but research looking at quercetin intake does point to improved sperm motility, viability and concentration.

6. BEETROOT JUICE contains dietary nitrates that increase the blood nitric oxide level, decrease blood pressure and improve blood flow, increase athletic performance/sexual stamina and improve cognitive functions but the mechanism remains unclear.

So why not jiggle up that dinner you previously had planned and opt for this Libido Loving Menu…

Starter

Pan Fried Calves Liver with Watercress, Pumpkin Seeds and an Apple & Saffron Relish (serves 2)

• 1 Apple, finely chopped

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 3 sage leaves

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1tsp butter

• 1 small pinch of saffon

• pinch of salt

• 300g Calves liver, rinsed

• 1 garlic clove, sliced

• 1tbsp chopped thyme

• 1tbsp butter

• salt and pepper

• 1 handful of watercress

• 2tbsp Pumpkin Seeds

• grated zest of 1 orange

In a small pan, plop in 1tsp butter. Add the chopped apple, shallot, sage and saffron and cook on a low heat for 15mins, stirring until soft. add salt to taste and set aside.

In a frying pan, heat 1tbsp butter, 1 sliced clove of garlic & thyme. Salt and pepper your liver. Once hot, add the liver so that it sizzles. Saute for about 2-3 mins each side, depending on thickness, so that it’s just cooked through, but still a bit pink inside.

Prepare your plates with the watercress, drizzle with a squeeze of orange juice and zest and pumpkin seeds. Serve with sliced liver and apple and saffron relish.

Main

Cheat style Beetroot Marinated Salmon & Oysters with Ginger, Yuzu and Soy (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

• Raw beetroot, 1 very thinly sliced

• 200g smoked salmon

• oysters, freshly shucked x6

• soy sauce 1tbsp

• yuzu 2tsp

• mirin 1tsp

• maple syrup 1tsp

• rice vinegar 1tsp

• spring onions, sliced

• Bread and salad to serve

The day before you’re planning to eat, slice the beetroot all over the smoked salmon. Cover and leave to marinade.

The next day, wipe all the beetroot off the salmon and see it’s lovely pinky glow.

Mix the soy, yuzu, mirin, maple syrup, rice vinegar and sliced spring onion together to make the dressing for the oysters.

Arrange the salmon slices and oysters on a platter, top with the dressing serve with the bread and salad.

Finale

Chocolate and Beetroot Truffles (from the Lazy Cat Kitchen)

For dessert, I’m sharing this amazing recipe from The Lazy Cat Kitchen, which is sooo fab and definitely worth a peruse for some beetrooty, chocolately goodness!!!

https://www.lazycatkitchen.com/valentines-amaretto-truffles/

Enjoyyyy, my little love buglettes ⭐🤩!! I’m just going to go and make some spag bol