Organic foods have become an increasingly common staple at grocery stores, but are they actually beneficial? Studies have had mixed results; eating organic may reduce exposure to pesticide residue while some research indicates it may help prevent pregnancy complications like preeclampsia.
Recent studies suggest that organic diets may help increase blood nutrient levels; however, more research needs to be conducted in this regard before any definitive claims can be made about organic nutrition.
Less Pesticides
Organic health foods contain less of the harmful metabolites produced when these synthetic chemicals break down in our bodies, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, fertility issues and increased ADHD diagnoses in children.
One prospective observational cohort study demonstrated that consumption of organic food was linked with reduced levels of organophosphorus insecticides and pyrethroids found in urine samples taken from both low and high organic groups; similar results were also obtained with other metabolites.
However, it should be kept in mind that observational studies showing positive outcomes associated with organic diets tended to rely on self-reporting and whole-diet substitution trials with short time frames – making it hard to accurately attribute any benefits seen to organic diets versus other lifestyle factors or direct health measures; no long-term clinical trials measuring direct health outcomes exist yet either; nevertheless these observational studies should serve as an excellent starting point in understanding any potential health benefits of eating an organic diet.
More Nutrients
As you search the aisles of a grocery store for healthy foods, it can be challenging to locate products made entirely from organic ingredients. Produce grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides is often an ideal option, while organic meats don’t contain antibiotics or growth hormones which makes this search even harder.
Though these benefits of organic foods are undeniable, you must also be mindful of their nutritional content. Unfortunately, many organic products are heavily processed and may not provide all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body requires for good health.
A recent meta-analysis conducted on 17 human studies and 223 studies that compared nutrient levels or pesticide contamination of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, eggs, chicken and meat produced either organically or conventionally and found no clear evidence that organic foods were more nutritious or contained fewer contaminants than conventionally produced ones – however there was higher phosphorous content and higher omega-3 fatty acid concentration in organic dairy products than their conventionally produced counterparts.
Better Taste
Organic foods tend to be free from added sweeteners, preservatives and flavorings – giving them an authentic flavour some people may prefer over the synthetic tastes found in conventional health food products.
Studies of organic food consumers reveal a dietary pattern marked by reduced meat and processed food consumption and higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and grains – which has been associated with reduced risks of cancer, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Your decision on organic health food depends on your priorities and budget, but it is wise to research any companies selling organic products before purchasing. Furthermore, select fruits and vegetables with low pesticide exposure when shopping in season for both cheaper prices and greater nutritional benefits; organic eggs may even be safer as they contain less antibiotic-resistant bacteria than their conventional alternatives.
Less Expensive
People purchasing organic foods do so to reduce exposure to pesticide residues, and some studies have demonstrated a decreased risk of certain cancers among those who consume the highest volume of organic food. Unfortunately, however, these results have not been widely replicated and further study should be conducted on this diet rich in organic products in order to confirm its benefits.
Studies have also demonstrated that organic foods contain higher concentrations of nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorous and molybdenum compared to their conventional counterparts. Furthermore, organic meat may be less likely to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to being raised without antibiotics and growth hormones being given directly to animals.
Organic foods may be worth their additional costs; that decision lies with each individual. If you can afford it, opting for all-organic options would be ideal. Otherwise, consider purchasing organic versions of produce on the Dirty Dozen list, along with dairy and eggs from organic farms, as an economical solution. Likewise, seek out local organic grocery stores or farmers markets in your area in order to lower expenses further.
