One of the most popular weed-killing products used today is glyphosate, commercially sold as Round-Up. There is a lot of controversy about this chemical, including potential cancer risks. However, did you know that glyphosate may also promote aging? A recent study looked at how glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) affects DNA and gene expression, also referred to as epigenetic changes. Glyphosate’s metabolite AMPA “was associated with greater epigenetic age acceleration.” Both Glyphosate and AMPA were found to be “associated with DNA methylation differences that could promote the development of cancer and other diseases.” https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10174
Manually pulling weeds may take more time, but the benefits include getting some exercise and stress reduction found from interacting with the earth. However, if spraying weeds is more your style, then consider using a 20% vinegar solution. Vinegar dehydrates the weeds without dehydrating your DNA!