The debate over whether organic food or conventional food is better for you is finally over. Researchers from England’s Newcastle University conducted a meta-analysis on 343 peer reviewed scientific studies to see if organic foods had any significant differences in nutritional value and they discovered without a doubt, that they do. Research from Washington Sate University in the US confirmed these findings as well as confirming organic farming was better for the environment too.
The most noticeable difference found between organic and non- organic foods were the levels present of the extremely valuable molecules: antioxidants.
Antioxidants are responsible for protection against many disease states, ageing, obesity (as they switch off inflammation connected with the development of obesity) and many cancers.
An Environmental Working Group press release noted that:
“Consumers who switch to organic fruits, vegetables, and cereals would get 20 to 40 percent more antioxidants. That’s the equivalent of about two extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day, with no increase in caloric intake.”
Another great factor about eating organically grown food is you avoid consuming all the nasty pesticides and chemicals conventional food is sprayed with, such as Roundup based ones. How much washing is needed to rid your food of these chemicals, and what if they are already processed into bread, snacks or baby food?
Researchers additionally found far lower levels of the harmful heavy metals cadmium and nitrogen in organic food. Cadmium can cause liver damage, kidney and other organ dysfunction, so it might be worthwhile to invest in your health with organic food.
Find Honor on Facebook and Twitter
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Honor Tremain - Nutritionist and health writer
She has been working in the field of health for the last 20 years.
Honor is the Nutrition Journalist for the global Fitness First Magazine, and columnist for the APN newspapers in Queensland, with her own “Ask Honor” column. She is a corporate health speaker and additionally treats clients in her busy private practice.
She is a director and recipe designer for the new food company Neo Bella Health Foods.
Honor is passionate about education people in the truth about food, nutrition and health, so stays abreast with the latest scientific research, regularly interviewing experts in the field and marrying it with traditional philosophy and wisdom.
You can follow her and many of her articles on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HonorTremain