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"You already know that organic produce has less herbicide and pesticide residue than conventional varieties, but what about the actually nutrition--is an organic tomato really healthier than a conventional tomato? The answer is yes, say researchers in Spain--at least, when it comes to tomatoes. In their study, they found that organically grown tomatoes contained higher levels of antioxidants than conventional tomatoes. The reason, they say, is the difference in fertilizers used on the plants. Conventional crops use nitrogen-based fertilizers, and organic farming uses good ol&amp;#x27; manure and compost. Lead author Anna Vallverd?? Queralt, said: &amp;quot;Organic farming doesn&amp;amp;#8217;t use nitrogenous fertilizers; as a result, plants respond by activating their own defense mechanisms, increasing the levels of all antioxidants.&amp;quot; Another researcher added: &amp;quot;The more stress plants suffer, the more polyphenols they produce.&amp;quot; Yes, the study was only conducted on tomatoes, but it&amp;#x27;s interesting to think about how the findings could apply broadly to all produce. How much of the produce in your shopping cart is organic these days vs. conventional? P.S. Have you had heirloom tomatoes yet this season? And, a yummy tomato breakfast idea! Photo: istock"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2012/07/health-controversy-is-organic>