Frankly, plants and funguses are much better than humans when it comes to making poisons. Ricin (the most toxic substance known, comes from the castor bean), aflatoxin (from a fungus that grows on peanuts) and oleander toxin (particularly nasty – and this plant grows in freeway medians throughout California) are just a few. Apple seeds contain a small amount of arsenic. Plants can’t run away, so they deter predators with nasty chemicals that are released when the plant parts (especially seeds) are chewed.
And conversely, some of the first antioxidants found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in culture were the preservatives BHA and BHT.
There is no “four legs, good, two legs, bad” equivalent went it comes to “organic” versus “non-organic.” People are best off getting rid of preconceived notions and applying a little logical reasoning.
