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Don’t select organic foods over conventionally grown ones for nutritional content, say researchers. I often buy organic foods, but I’ve never assumed that they have more nutrients.
My reasons for choosing organic foods:
- They are grown in ways that are better for the environment, which does impact your health!
- They often taste better.
- Why select something that may have chemicals in the skin that you eat (like apples or grapes) instead of food grown naturally?
- It doesn’t always cost more to buy organic. It goes on sale too.
Scientists are likely to upset many green advocates who will see the new research as an attack on organic foods. The study, published today in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is a comparison of 10 out of 13 nutrient categories analyzed in organic and conventionally grown foods.
The study found no significant differences in nutrient content. Researchers noted that the small differences found between the two groups are unlikely to provide health benefits. They say the differences detected were probably due to fertilizer use (nitrogen, phosphorus) and ripeness at harvest (acidity).
The study was commissioned and funded by the UK Food Standards Agency.
If you buy organic food, why do you make that choice?
(Image via stock.xchng)
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Jennifer, I knew you’d comment! :) You make a good point about spending more on organics and less on junk food. My main concern about this study is that some people might stop buying organic without considering the impact to the environment (and them).
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
You know everyone says that organics are not more healthy nutritionally, but to a point one might argue that they are in fact because the people I know who tend to shell out bigger dollars for organics cut back in other food areas – i.e. processed foods, chips, etc. I think there’s an actual cost difference that ends up making organics a healthier choice and also a lifestyle value that’s associated as well that makes people who eat organics a healthier bunch overall – BUT I can’t prove any of this :) Just my opinion.
Linette, I think this study mainly looked at nutrition. Personally, I don’t believe that many people buy organic for that reason. It’s the pesticide avoidance, like you said.
There’s definitely a difference in taste, and I worry about all the pesticides etc used to produce some fruits and veggies. I don’t always buy organic, but if the price is anywhere close I go for organic on produce that’s been shown to have higher pesticide residue.