Are there nutritional benefits to eating organic produce?
Organic produce has higher antioxidant levels than conventional, according to a recent analysis of research conducted over the last three decades and published in March 2008 by the Organic Center. Scientists looked at 97 studies examining the nutritional profiles of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables: Organic produce had higher antioxidant levels in a majority of the studies. Some research also suggests that organics may be higher in vitamins C and E, but for most vitamins and minerals the jury is still out in part because the nutritional profile of any produce item depends largely on the quality of the earth in which it’s grown. However, because organic farming focuses on soil health to a greater degree than conventional methods, organic farming builds life in the soil and so will be more likely to produce foods that are nutritionally packed, says Betsy Ross, CEO of Sustainable Growth Texas, LLC, a company that focuses on promoting soil health.
