There is this idea that seems to be really pervasive that natural is always better. And it’s not true so often. A common example I like to give is that natural almond extract contains cyanide and artificial almond extract does not. No, it isn’t enough cyanide to kill you, but I would say no cyanide is better than some cyanide.
And a lot of those “natural is always better” people would happily take fentanyl over willow bark if they were in agony.
There is this idea that seems to be really pervasive that natural is always better. And it’s not true so often. A common example I like to give is that natural almond extract contains cyanide and artificial almond extract does not. No, it isn’t enough cyanide to kill you, but I would say no cyanide is better than some cyanide.
And a lot of those “natural is always better” people would happily take fentanyl over willow bark if they were in agony.
I think a better analogy would be oxycodone or hydromorphone over opium but your point stands
Another aspect of this is that “natural” things like supplements are not usually “naturally occurring” but rather highly refined.
Snake venom is natural 😊
Indeed. As is arsenic. You can even find it in water supplies (especially in the U.S., where there are “acceptable” levels).