Studies have shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic products. Organic products may have more than certain antioxidants and types of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.
Organic foods
aren't healthier in and of themselves in terms of nutrients. You're still getting the same benefits from conventionally grown foods as from organic foods.Observational research, which has followed cohorts for up to 10 years (Nutri-Net Santé and the Million Women study), has investigated a series of hypotheses about organic diet and health. This systematic review was designed to assess the breadth of evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed compared to its conventional counterpart. There isn't enough strong evidence available to show that eating organic products provides health benefits compared to regular foods. Both conventional and organic foods have similar nutrient profiles, and choosing one or the other is a personal choice.
Several previous studies have found that organic foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc and iron (4, 5, 6,. It is possible that the observed benefit of organic intake is due in part to the quality and composition of the diet and not to a direct effect of eating organic foods. Consumers of organic products showed higher plasma concentrations of α-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, while no difference was found in the case of other carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene). Cohort studies were included in which associations were reported with the development of a disorder or disease, or if they provided comparisons of biological samples between organic and conventional dietary intake groups.
About 5% of total food sales are organic, and that number is expected to increase by an average of 6% each year. The included anthroposophical cohorts (ALLADIN and KOALA birth cohorts) add an additional layer of confusion, since the consumption of organic foods constitutes only a small part of the dietary measures adopted in this group. Avocados, cantaloupe, pineapple, broccoli, cabbage, and corn have low levels of pesticides, so there's no real need to buy organic products. However, it's important to remember that some certified organic labeling requirements vary depending on the type of food being produced.
Evidence on whether organic foods contain more antioxidants and nutrients than conventionally grown foods is conflicting. Observational research in which dietary intake was classified according to the level of organic foods within individual dietary groups or the entire diet was accepted. The reasons why consumers are increasingly choosing organic food products over conventional food products are varied, and include many reasons besides personal health and well-being, such as environmental concerns or the impact on animal welfare.
Leave a Comment