Peer Reviewed Study-Eat Organic

[Viking55]

Aloha,
Great abstract!

Br J Nutr. 2014 Jun 26:1-18. [Epub ahead of print]
Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.

Barański M1, Srednicka-Tober D1, Volakakis N1, Seal C2, Sanderson R3, Stewart GB1, Benbrook C4, Biavati B5, Markellou E6, Giotis C7, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J8, Rembiałkowska E8, Skwarło-Sońta K9, Tahvonen R10, Janovská D11, Niggli U12, Nicot P13, Leifert C1.
Author information

Abstract
Demand for organic foods is partially driven by consumers' perceptions that they are more nutritious. However, scientific opinion is divided on whether there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods, and two recent reviews have concluded that there are no differences. In the present study, we carried out meta-analyses based on 343 peer-reviewed publications that indicate statistically significant and meaningful differences in composition between organic and non-organic crops/crop-based foods. Most importantly, the concentrations of a range of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were found to be substantially higher in organic crops/crop-based foods, with those of phenolic acids, flavanones, stilbenes, flavones, flavonols and anthocyanins being an estimated 19 (95 % CI 5, 33) %, 69 (95 % CI 13, 125) %, 28 (95 % CI 12, 44) %, 26 (95 % CI 3, 48) %, 50 (95 % CI 28, 72) % and 51 (95 % CI 17, 86) % higher, respectively. Many of these compounds have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers, in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies. Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues was found to be four times higher in conventional crops, which also contained significantly higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd. Significant differences were also detected for some other (e.g. minerals and vitamins) compounds. There is evidence that higher antioxidant concentrations and lower Cd concentrations are linked to specific agronomic practices (e.g. non-use of mineral N and P fertilisers, respectively) prescribed in organic farming systems. In conclusion, organic crops, on average, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower concentrations of Cd and a lower incidence of pesticide residues than the non-organic comparators across regions and production seasons.

 

[Pharm_Fed]

It's cool to read this but it should be obvious to anyone with a little common sense that a product grown with nutrient-rich soil, water and sunlight like nature intended is going to be better for you than something sprayed with poison and grown in soil that's been depleted year after year.

Thanks for posting though

 

[Gators]

Most of the stuff you see in the bigger supermarkets is not grown in nutrient dense soil, it's usually on the same track of land that the conventional farming is done on, but following USDA NOP Standards does not require it to be grown on nutrient dense soil, or even soil high in organic matter. It's grown with organic fertilizer, and sprayed with approved organic material. Is it safer, hell yes, night and day difference, but is it more nutrient dense, most would not be. Now, if you got it from a small farm, that has worked to build it's soil, then that product will be more nutrient dense, hoe much, depends. I supplement with different mineral mixes to improve the trace mineral content, as well us using compost that is made from trees, notably pine trees, that have a root system that gets deep where there are more minerals. Another thing i do is supplement with molasses, it feeds the microbes in the soil, which then break down organic matter as nutrients for the plant, plus it improves the brix count, which will help with nutrient density.

 

[warzone13]

Great read but all I know is that organic foods normally always test better.