Sperm count and male reproductive health linked to pesticides: Harvard

A study from Harvard Chan School of Public Health has found that consuming fruit and vegetables with high levels of pesticides may be linked to poor markers of male fertility such as low sperm count and normal forms (this study looked at a group of men presenting to a fertility clinic).

What is the take-home message from this research?

• Consuming fruit and vegetables is good
• If consuming produce with pesticide residue, having lots of produce that has lower residue levels still seems good for health
• It may be a good idea to avoid those with higher pesticide levels as even moderate consumption may impact negatively on health
• Better still, eat organically-grown produce

Please note that there is a “dirty dozen” and “clean fifteen” list of fruit and vegetables that contain the highest and lowest pesticide residues respectively, but it is compiled from farming practices in the USA. It is difficult to find a definitive list that refers to Australian produce because the regulatory system for chemicals here may be different.

The best option may be to go for the bulk of your produce being organically-grown.

Local organic markets include:

• Friday – Narrabeen Farmer’s Market
• Saturday – Manly West Organic Market
• Sunday – Parkway Hotel, Frenchs Forest