Are organic vegetables and fruit more nutritious than regular vegetables and fruit?
Many people think that organic vegetables (also known as “veggies”) and fruit are more nutritious. This may not be true. The Ontario Ministry of Health, Healthy Eating Manual states: “As for nutrition, organic food is not better than regular food. Small differences exist but they are not significant. For example, organic fertilizer has been shown to increase iron, phosphorous, and sodium in spinach but conventionally grown spinach had higher calcium. Like conventionally grown food, organic food is safe although it isn’t risk free. Natural pesticides and environmental pollutants leave toxic residue too.” Organic produce may taste fresher, but that has nothing to do with the production methods. Picking your own at a farm tastes better because it is fresh. It does not matter how the produce is grown, organic or conventional. Eating your recommended number of Food Guide Servings of veggies and fruit daily, as part of a healthy diet, is important for good health.
