New study says organic food is not healthier--is that really
true? Is organic food more nutritious than food produced via
conventional methods? As a nutrition editor for EatingWell
magazine, it’s my job to stay up on the studies that look at
this very question. On July 29 researchers from the London
School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine reported that there was no
nutritional difference between organic and conventionally
produced foods. End of story? I don’t think so. Some studies
show organics are more nutritious. Consider these findings: - A
2008 review by the Organic Center of almost 100 studies on the
nutritional quality of organic produce compared the effects
conventional and organic farming methods have on specific
nutrients. The report’s conclusion: “Yes, organic plant-based
foods are, on average, more nutritious.” - In 2007 a study out
of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom reported that
organic produce boasted up to 40 percent higher levels of some
nutrients (including vitamin C, zinc and iron)