All about glyphosate and it’s harmful effects on the body

Glyphosate, a type of herbicide, has been a topic of concern due to its potential health impacts. Classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, according to The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), glyphosate is widely used in agriculture for weed control in crops like corn, soy, chickpeas, wheat, and oat. But how exactly does it affect humans?

“One can experience increased saliva, nausea, burning sensation in the mouth and throat, respiratory problems, and episodes of vomiting after eating products with glyphosate,” said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai.

“It has also been associated with disruptions in hormone function along with concerns about its environmental effects, such as biodiversity loss and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds,” said Neelima Bisht, chief clinical nutritionist, dietetics department, Paras Health, Gurugram. She added that in the environment, glyphosate use has been implicated in reducing bee populations, essential for pollination, and contributing to the rise of weeds that are difficult to manage with other herbicides.

“The safety of glyphosate is still questionable making it necessary to reduce or eliminate using products that contain glyphosate to ensure well-being,” said Dr Agarwal.

As such, there is a growing consensus on opting for glyphosate-free flour that is cultivated or made from grains that are grown without the use of glyphosate. But are these flours good for your body? Let’s find out.

Let’s understand about glyphosate (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Such flour is often sourced from crops grown using organic or sustainable farming practices that avoid synthetic pesticides. “This approach supports healthier soil, and biodiversity, and reduces potential exposure to harmful agents,” said Bisht.

Simply, it means that this flour has gone through various lab tests and certifications that contain “zero traces of this harmful herbicide”. “This can be reassuring for individuals who want to avoid getting exposed to this harmful substance found in food products like breads, granolas, instant oats, and snack bars,” said Dr Agarwal, adding that it is important to read labels when shopping for groceries.

While the nutritional profile of glyphosate-free flour typically aligns with conventional flour, opting for the former reflects a conscious decision toward personal health and environmental sustainability.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.