Study finds organic food not healthier (updated)
By Laurie Posted on August 6th, 2009 in Featured, Food, HealthOrganic food, although chemical and pesticide free, often is thought of to be the healthier choice. But is it really better for us? A major study published last week shows that organic food has no nutritional or health benefits over conventionally produced food.
(Read more about our previous thoughts on this, in our article Are you healthier for eating organic?.)
As so assumed, the conclusions of the study were challenged by organic food campaigners.
Researchers claim that consumers pay higher prices for organic food, primarily for their perceived health benefits. The result? A global organic market worth approximately $48 billion.
The team from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine reviewed 162 scientific papers over the last 50 years, finding there was no significant difference.
Alan Dangour, one of the authors in the study reported that “a small number of differences in nutrient content were found to exist between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs, but these are unlikely to be of any public health relevance.”
That’s not to say that herbicides and pesticides aren’t harmful to any folks, especially those with chemical sensitivity. But for others, it seems as though conventional does the job just fine.
“Our review indicates that there is currently no evidence to support the selection of organically over conventionally produced foods on the basis of nutritional superiority,” Dangour added.
That being said, opting for local foods – those which have traveled minimal distance to your table, retain the most nutrients.
The results of research, commissioned by the British government’s Food Standards Agency, were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Editor’s note: We were interested in this study, whether it swayed our personal beliefs or not. That being said, check this out for some counter ideas to the ones above: London study on organic nutrition challenged
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
Jason, on August 6th, 2009 says:
I’ll still always purchase Organic when shopping. Still “a small number of differences in nutrient content were found to exist between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs” might be the difference? That’s pushing it. It’s all about how this stuff is raised. It’s not chemical, it’s not polluting our water, air, bodies, pets, etc… it’s sustainable. You grow food organically, you grow healthier human environments sustainably.
Robert, on August 7th, 2009 says:
heath in which way??? Killing the nature with toxic farming will not be healthy for anybody in future and today. Toxic farming is KILLING the balace of nature which affects all of us in a UNHEATHY way.
Odum Idika, on August 7th, 2009 says:
Like anything you read, especially a scientific paper, it should be looked at constructively and its conclusions be taken with caution. I’m currently writing my master’s thesis in biology and if there is one thing that I have learned it is to read other papers with a critical eye.
Now I haven’t read the study yet so I can’t comment on it specifically, but I buy organic foods not because I think they are higher in nutrition (and why would they be, after all it is the same food), but because I don’t agree with traditional farming methods and also because I don’t want my kids eating any pesticides or any other chemicals that may be in/on my food.
I would really like to see who funded this study because to me it seems like a cheap shot (a la tobacco industry) against the organic movement without dealing with any issues that caused the movement in the first place (chemical use, growth hormones, un-sustainability, etc. etc.).
Laurie, on August 8th, 2009 says:
Hey readers, thanks for your comments.
I found this an interesting “food for thought” – in reality, I shop local for nearly everything (I do buy a few things, like bananas, that we don’t grow here), and most often organic, too. I just thought it was an interesting study. Appreciate the comments!
Joshua Suppan, on August 8th, 2009 says:
Yeah,
sure the nutritional value may be the same but by buying organic you can be sure (atleast I hope so) that your food doesn’t have chemicals or other jargon in it. I thought thats why everyone was buying organic to skip out on the chemicals and such, just more natural.
James Manke, on August 11th, 2009 says:
Personally I choose nature over science any day! The FDA and all these associations are trying to protect their business by suggestion that it’s not necessary to eat organically. It’s a big loop and it’s all about money. Don’t be fooled. No chemical you digest is good for you unless it is natural and comes from the earth.
peio revuelta, on February 16th, 2010 says:
I live in a village and work in agriculturing. We produce organic foods and i try to read everything about them.
This information is very useful for me. I also found another useful guide about organic foods;
http://agricultureguide.org/agriculture/organic/