- Like we always say, eating organic foods is key to optimal health.
- Fresh organic foods like vegetables and fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients keep our immune systems in top shape so our bodies can fight disease. The antioxidants in foods also prevent oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging.
- There has been controversy surrounding whether organic foods are actually safer and more nutritious than conventional foods.
- A study from Newcastle University published in July 2014 may show that organic foods are in fact more nutritious than conventional foods.
- The study is thought to be the largest of its kind, as the research team analyzed over 340 international, peer-reviewed studies that observed the nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods.
- The researchers found that organic foods had a higher concentration of antioxidants between the ranges of about 20-70 percent more than conventional foods.
- “Many of these compounds have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers, in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies,” the press release states.
- The paper also explained that conventional foods were four times more likely to contain pesticide residues, and also high levels of toxic metal Cd.
- “This study demonstrates that choosing food produced according to organic standards can lead to increased intake of nutritionally desirable antioxidants and reduced exposure to toxic heavy metals,” explained study author Carlos Leifert in a news release. “This constitutes an important addition to the information currently available to consumers which until now has been confusing and in many cases is conflicting.”
- Leifert did acknowledge that this study is not the “be all end all” to organic foods.
- He believes that it should be used as a starting point.
- “We have shown without doubt there are composition differences between organic and conventional crops, now there is an urgent need to carry out well-controlled human dietary intervention and cohort studies specifically designed to identify and quantify the health impacts of switching to organic food,” Leifert states.
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- AS ALWAYS: Check with your health practitioner before you change your diet. This news about organic foods is not meant to replace any treatment or drugs you are taking.
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- For foods you must eat organic.
- For the truth behind 8 foods to avoid at the supermarket.
- For the top 10 cancer-fighting foods.
- Whole foods agrees to ban produce grown in human sewage sludge.
- The top signs of high quality foods when you shop.
- For all you need to know about GMOs.
- For a list of GMO-free food companies.
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- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Higher Antioxidant and Lower Cadmium Concentrations and Lower Incidence of Pesticide Residues in Organically Grown Crops: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analyses.” British Journal of Nutrition. British Journal of Nutrition, 06 May 2014. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 2. “New Study Finds Significant Differences between Organic and Non-organic Food.” Newcastle University. Newcastle University, 11 July 2014. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 3. “Higher Antioxidant and Lower Cadmium Concentrations and Lower Incidence of Pesticide Residues in Organically Grown Crops: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analyses.” Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources. Washington State University, 15 July 2014. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 4. “Are Organic Foods Healthier Than Conventional Foods?” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 5. “Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives?: A Systematic Review.” Annals of Internal Medicine. American College of Physicians, 04 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 July 2014.
