The French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) published a Meta study, which compares organic and conventional foods. A Meta study effectively looks at various independent studies and integrates them using statistical analysis to remove variable results and show a trend. This study published in the scientific journal, Agronomy for Sustainable Development, indicated that organic plant products are more nutrient dense, have higher nutritional levels, and contains more antioxidants eg. phenols and salicylic acid, compared to conventional foods. Organic animal products contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect against heart disease, whilst organic vegetables contain roughly 50% less nitrates which reduces the risk of health problems such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Further support for the theory that organic foods have a higher nutritional value was found in a comparison study conducted by UK Food Standards Agency. Their study showed that organic foods have higher levels of minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants as indicated by the percentage below.
- Minerals levels: Copper (8.3%), Magnesium (7.1%), Phosphorous (6%), Potassium (2.5%), Sodium (8.7%), Sulphur (10.5%), Zinc (11.3%)
- Protein levels (12%)
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids in organic meats and dairy products (2.1 - 27.8%)
- Antioxidant levels: Phenolic compounds (13.2%), Beta-carotene (53.6%), Flavonoids (38.4%)
Furthermore, research published in the Natural Gardener's Catalog (1995) is another example of the significant difference in mineral levels found in organic and conventional foods.
In conclusion, there is evidence to show that organic foods definitely have multiple nutritional benefits and are better for you. Moreover, they are also free from pesticide residues so they are better quality products in general.
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