Organic food – less nutritious?!
The Latest Research
A new paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine states:
The published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods. Consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not more nutritious? I was surprised! However after reading a couple of articles I was reminded that organic farmingis more concerned with the environment than with the consumer; a humbling reminder that the world doesn’t revolve around ME. This latest research is a reminder that organic food:
- is better for the environment
- likely to contain less chemical pesticides
- meats are less likely to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria
but:
- not necessarily going to contain more healthy vitamins
So there are still some good arguments for trying eat organic where possible. The downside of course is price and availability. I expect that many people find it difficult enough to keep a stock of fresh food at home, never mind a stock of organic food. I am also very sure that none of my favourite restaurants insist on organic produce.
What I do
Personally, if I can eat lots of tasty fresh veg every day then I’m already satisfied, whatever the source was. I used to live near a great organic store where the food did actually taste much better than the supermarket so I made an extra effort to shop there. More often, I will just stock up on veg in the local supermarket. I should probably pay more attention to EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 (see link below).When it comes to meat, I am a bit pickier. I don’t eat lots of red meat but when I do I like to buy from a trusted butcher. In the supermarket I’m more likely to opt for organic or at least free-range poultry. I’m less picky about my fish. Eggs however, I do try to insist on organic.
