Myth: Organic Food is Healthier
Truth: It is not HEALTHIER, but it does have more NUTRIENTS
What's Up?
Research is currently ongoing as the debate over the nutritious quality of organic vs. inorganic food gains ground. There is no clear answer, since various studies have concluded distinct and different claims.
But we do know that organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D, and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.
Note:
"On average, organic is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture."
The Look and Taste
Organic food even look and taste better. "Because organic food is grown in well-balanced soil, it makes sense that these healthy plants have a great taste." They appear fresher, and underneath, they are free of chemical additives, artificial preservatives, and flavor enhancers.
Research Points Us to Organic
- At the University of California, researchers discovered that organic tomatoes had greater levels of nutrients, like phytochemicals and vitamin C, than inorganic tomatoes.
- At Washington State University, a two-year study was conducted that compared organic and inorganic strawberry farms and showed that organic farms produced more nutritious and delicious berries.
- In New Jersey, researchers studied the organic and inorganic cultivation of blueberries, finding that organic blueberries had significantly higher fructose and glucose levels, malic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidants than the inorganic blueberries.
- The University of Florida Department of Horticulture and Washington State University created a report that indicated that organic food contains 25% higher concentration of 11 nutrients than inorganic food. Their findings were based on comparisons of nutrient levels in 236 organically and inorganically grown food.