3 ms·

I think there are two parts to what you're saying: "chemical" molecules are, as I said elsewhere in this thread, are better described as artificial or synthetic

I think there are two parts to what you're saying: "chemical" molecules are, as I said elsewhere in this thread, are better described as artificial or synthetic. We agree on that, but I disagree that it's reasonable to be wary of chemicals - it's a triumph of rubbish marketing. The other part is the assumption that "natural" molcules are inherently better. There is no difference between naturally-occuring vitamin C vs synthetic vitamin C. Also, there are lots of naturally-occuring molcules you don't want in you.

ced 16y ago
The other part is the assumption that "natural" molcules are inherently better. I wouldn't say "inherently better", but... Through evolution, we've adapted to molecules present in the environment, and because other organisms have similar tolerance to toxins, eating them is usually safer than eating a random substance. It's just a heuristic, of course, reasonable people may disagree. I was just pointing out that the OP's position is not "obviously dumb". I disagree that it's reasonable to be wary of chemicals - it's a triumph of rubbish marketing. It goes both way: companies producing artificial products (including drugs) have massive advertising budgets, but there's no ad touting the merits of oranges and tap water. Honest question: if I find a new mammalian species and try to sell its meat, do I need FDA approval? EDIT: In your top post, you're objecting to the man's argument that "it's natural therefore it's safe". I agree with you that it's naive in this context. I guess I misread your post and argued against something else :/
- jerf 16y ago
  "Through evolution, we've adapted to molecules present in the environment" Flows both ways, though. Through evolution, our biological enemies have come up with the nastiest chemicals they can. Natural vs. "man made chemicals" people often forget that on the whole, Nature is out to kill you. The most potent known toxin is called Botulinum toxin and is named after the bacteria that produces it (or vice versa).
  - code_duck 16y ago
    Sometimes nature is out to cooperate with you or merely take advantage of you, for example: fruit. I don't think the intent is to kill with poisons as much as to serve the ultimate goal of most organisms, self preservation.

ced 16y ago

The other part is the assumption that "natural" molcules are inherently better. I wouldn't say "inherently better", but... Through evolution, we've adapted to molecules present in the environment, and because other organisms have similar tolerance to toxins, eating them is usually safer than eating a random substance. It's just a heuristic, of course, reasonable people may disagree. I was just pointing out that the OP's position is not "obviously dumb". I disagree that it's reasonable to be wary of chemicals - it's a triumph of rubbish marketing. It goes both way: companies producing artificial products (including drugs) have massive advertising budgets, but there's no ad touting the merits of oranges and tap water. Honest question: if I find a new mammalian species and try to sell its meat, do I need FDA approval? EDIT: In your top post, you're objecting to the man's argument that "it's natural therefore it's safe". I agree with you that it's naive in this context. I guess I misread your post and argued against something else :/

jerf 16y ago
"Through evolution, we've adapted to molecules present in the environment" Flows both ways, though. Through evolution, our biological enemies have come up with the nastiest chemicals they can. Natural vs. "man made chemicals" people often forget that on the whole, Nature is out to kill you. The most potent known toxin is called Botulinum toxin and is named after the bacteria that produces it (or vice versa).
- code_duck 16y ago
  Sometimes nature is out to cooperate with you or merely take advantage of you, for example: fruit. I don't think the intent is to kill with poisons as much as to serve the ultimate goal of most organisms, self preservation.