The ancient spice known as "red gold"
Depending on the country, there are different labels for organic foods. Not all foods labeled as “organic” are 100% organic.
The review also concluded that “the small differences in nutrient content detected are biologically plausible and mostly relate to differences in production methods.”
An observational study of over 600,000 women found no evidence that an organic diet reduces cancer risk.
Another systematic review, covering a period of 50 years (1958 to 2008), found that “there is no evidence of a difference in nutrient quality between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.”
But the review also concluded that “consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”
Organic food might be free from chemicals, but more research is needed on whether it makes a significant difference in nutritional value and health benefits.
It doesn’t really matter if a product uses raw cane sugar or organic corn syrup instead of regular plain sugar. In the end, it’s all sugar.
Junk food is junk food, regardless of the label. Organic cookies or sodas, for example, are also harmful for you.
Animal studies suggest that organic food can be beneficial for things such as the immune system and reproduction. A study found that chickens that were fed an organic diet had stronger immune systems and had a healthier weight.
A systematic review done to find out whether organic foods are safer or healthier than conventional alternatives concluded that “the published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods.”
A study found that consumption of organic dairy products was associated with lower eczema risk in children under the age of two.
An observational study comparing the nutritional intake of almost 4,000 people eating organic and non-organic vegetables found that “there is insufficient evidence to recommend organic over conventional vegetables.”
High levels of these chemical compounds can be harmful for our health. Organic foods have lower levels of nitrate.
While some studies found benefits in consuming organic foods, other studies concluded the opposite. Let’s take a look at what research says.
Though non-organic milk actually has higher levels of selenium and iodine, when compared to organic milk.
This metal can be potentially toxic, and organic crops do have less cadmium than non-organic produce.
Organic milk and other dairy products are richer in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin E.
A study found that organic berries and corn contained 58% more antioxidants and up to 52% more vitamin C than those grown through conventional farming methods.
Research is not conclusive. There are a number of studies that point to numerous benefits, while others found no differences between organic and non-organic foods.
Because crops are not protected by chemical pesticides, they develop higher levels of antioxidants.
Animals raised in organic farms are free of antibiotics and hormones.
According to a study, replacing regular fruit and veggies for organic ones is comparable to eating an extra one to two portions a day.
Organic foods are also free of artificial food additives, such as artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, coloring, and flavoring.
According to a number of studies, organically grown crops are actually richer in antioxidants and vitamins.
Farmers use natural fertilizers, such as manure, instead of artificial products.
This has to do with the process of how the foods are produced. Organic foods are produced without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms.
Buying from local producers, whether or not these are ethically-sourced products, your income, and other factors all play a role in whether or not people choose to consume organic products.
Similar to milk, there are also more omega-3 fatty acids in organic meat. In addition, it has slightly lower levels of saturated fats than non-organic meat.
Organic food's popularity has increased over the years. More people are looking to eat healthier, more sustainable foods, and are prepared to pay the (higher) price for it.
In theory, organic food sounds like a healthier choice when compared to non-organic food. Less chemicals and additives sound like a no-brainer, but it is really worth the extra cost and shorter shelf-life? Are organic foods actually better for you? In this gallery, we delve into the myths and facts about organic food, and what science has to say about it.
Is organic food really better for you?
Is it actually a healthier choice than typical food options?
FOOD Health
Organic food's popularity has increased over the years. More people are looking to eat healthier, more sustainable foods, and are prepared to pay the (higher) price for it.
In theory, organic food sounds like a healthier choice when compared to non-organic food. Less chemicals and additives sound like a no-brainer, but it is really worth the extra cost and shorter shelf-life? Are organic foods actually better for you? In this gallery, we delve into the myths and facts about organic food, and what science has to say about it.