Better Nutrition September2020

NEWS*BITES
BY VERA TWEED
WHY YOU
SHOULD GO
ORGANIC
Nutritious and sustainable,
organic food is better for
you—and the planet.
Many people choose organic food to lessen
their exposure to synthetic pesticides
and fertilizers, but there are many
more benefits to this wholesome way
of eating. Health-wise, organic crops
contain more concentrated nutrients
than conventional crops, so they’re
better for you. Plus, organic farming
methods protect and enhance our
environment, making our food supply
more sustainable, diverse, and secure.
“What happens on organic farms
has a synergistic impact,” says Jessica
Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs
at The Organic Center, a nonprofit
educational and research organization.
Organic farming makes the soil richer,
more resilient to climate change,
and capable of absorbing and retaining
more carbon monoxide from the
atmosphere. And organic farmers
grow a much greater variety of crops,
which helps us develop more diverse diets
while also enabling essential pollinators,
such as bees and birds, to thrive.
“Organic farms have almost twice as
many pollinators as conventional farms,”
says Shade.
Health Benefits
A review of 35 different studies,
published in the journal Nutrients,
compared the health of people who
regularly eat conventional produce with
those who eat a mostly organic diet.
Organic consumers
suffered from
less infertility, and
pregnant women who
ate organic experienced
less preeclampsia
and their babies
had fewer birth defects.
Children who ate
a mostly organic diet
had fewer allergies
and ear infections, and
adults were less likely to be overweight
or to develop serious health issues,
including heart disease, diabetes,
stroke, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Nutritional Content
An analysis of more than 300 studies
found that when compared to
conventionally grown crops, organic
plant foods contain:
did you know ...
Organic farms grow flowers
and other plants just to
attract pollinators such as
bees, as well as lady bugs
and other beneficial insects
that eat harmful bugs.
69% more flavanones
51% more anthocyanins
50% more flavonols
28% more stilbenes
26% more flavones
19% more phenolic
acids
And it’s not just veggies. When
compared to conventional meat and
milk, organic versions have been
found to contain more beneficial
omega-3 fats and antioxidants.
In addition, organic meat contains
less cholesterol, and organic milk
contains more minerals.
For more information, visit organic-center.org
Illustration: adobestock.com
6 • SEPTEMBER 2020