Organic Choices are more Nutritious and Possibly Healthier, Too

Going organic? Science shows it might be better for your health. 

Researchers at Newcastle University in England found that eating organic food may be more expensive, but it's certainly more nutritious. Superfoods including fruits, vegetables and various grains are likely to have more antioxidants and fewer pesticides than non-organic produce. 

"It shows very clearly how you grow your food has an impact," said study lead investigator, Carlo Leifert, a professor of ecological agriculture at Newcastle University in England, via the New York Times. "If you buy organic fruits and vegetables, you can be sure you have, on average, a higher amount of antioxidants at the same calorie level."

For the study, researchers conducted a meta-analysis that used data taken from 343 previous studies. They found that a diet full of organic fruits, vegetables and grains typically carried 17 percent more antioxidants in comparison to non-organic crops. Furthermore, researchers discovered that organically grown crops carried 69 percent more flavonoids than other counterparts.

However, despite the findings, researchers were unable to conclude if eating organic crops actually improved health. The team noted that in other studies, researches have concluded that eating antioxidants can improve health. With future tests, they hope to have a better idea. 

"We are not making health claims based on this study, because we can't," Dr. Leifert concluded. "To say organic food is definitely healthier for you, and it doesn't tell you anything about how much of a health impact switching to organic food could have."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the British Journal of Nutrition.