Study Reveals Organic Food No Better Than Conventional Food
New research reveals that all this hoo-ha over "going organic" may not really be worth the hype (or the price).
The study conducted by researchers at Stanford University Medical Centre claims eating organic food is no more nutritious than eating food grown using pesticides and chemicals.
The results, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal, come from the biggest review yet of existing studies comparing the two types of food. For the study, researchers had to sift through thousands of papers looking into the health benefits of organic food, including studies of people with organic and conventional diets, as well as research into nutrient levels, bacterial, fungal or pesticide contamination.
Based on the findings, the researchers found no clear evidence of any significant added health benefits of eating solely organic food; there was no consistent differences in the vitamin content of various foods; no difference in protein or fat content between organic and conventional milk; and they were unable to identify specific fruits and vegetables for which organic appeared consistently to be the healthier choice.
And while the claim of being 'pesticide–free' is considered a key attraction for many pro-organic consumers, the study revealed that while organic food did have 30 percent lower pesticide levels, that doesn't mean it's completely clear of chemicals.
Based on this, it was concluded that ‘There isn’t much difference between organic and conventional foods, if you’re an adult and making a decision based solely on your health.’
The study conducted by researchers at Stanford University Medical Centre claims eating organic food is no more nutritious than eating food grown using pesticides and chemicals.
The results, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal, come from the biggest review yet of existing studies comparing the two types of food. For the study, researchers had to sift through thousands of papers looking into the health benefits of organic food, including studies of people with organic and conventional diets, as well as research into nutrient levels, bacterial, fungal or pesticide contamination.
Based on the findings, the researchers found no clear evidence of any significant added health benefits of eating solely organic food; there was no consistent differences in the vitamin content of various foods; no difference in protein or fat content between organic and conventional milk; and they were unable to identify specific fruits and vegetables for which organic appeared consistently to be the healthier choice.
And while the claim of being 'pesticide–free' is considered a key attraction for many pro-organic consumers, the study revealed that while organic food did have 30 percent lower pesticide levels, that doesn't mean it's completely clear of chemicals.
Based on this, it was concluded that ‘There isn’t much difference between organic and conventional foods, if you’re an adult and making a decision based solely on your health.’
