What makes fruits organic

Instead, they produce more of their own protective compounds, namely antioxidants. Organically grown crops have also been shown to have lower levels of nitrate. High nitrate levels are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer 9 , Organic milk and dairy products may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and slightly higher amounts of iron, vitamin E, and some carotenoids 13 , 14 , However, organic milk may contain less selenium and iodine than non-organic milk.

These are two minerals that are essential for health A review of 67 studies found that organic meat contained higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and slightly lower levels of saturated fats than conventional meat A higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with many health benefits , including a reduced risk of heart disease.

While several studies find that organic foods can have significant positive outcomes, others have found insufficient evidence to recommend organic over conventional An observational study comparing the nutrient intakes of nearly 4, adults consuming either organic or conventional vegetables found conflicting results. Although a slightly higher intake of certain nutrients was seen in the organic group, this was most likely due to higher overall vegetable consumption Another review of studies found a lack of strong evidence to conclude that organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods This is because the nutrient content of food depends on many factors, such as soil quality, weather conditions, and when the crops are harvested.

The composition of dairy products and meat can be affected by differences in animal genetics and animal breed, what the animals eat, the time of year, and the type of farm. The natural variations in the production and handling of foods make comparisons difficult. Organically grown crops may have less nitrate and more of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Organic dairy products and meat may have more omega-3 fatty acids. However, the evidence is mixed. Evidence suggests that consuming these foods may reduce your exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria In addition, pesticide residues were four times more likely to be found in non-organic crops 7.

It is important to note that the higher levels of cadmium and pesticide residue in conventionally grown produce were still well below safety limits However, some experts worry that cadmium can accumulate over time in the body, potentially causing harm. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the risk of exposure to pesticide residue in foods is small and unlikely to cause harm 24 , Choosing organic foods may reduce your exposure to toxins, pesticide residues, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

However, the levels of toxins in regular produce are generally well below the safety limits. For example, several lab studies found that their higher antioxidant content helped protect cells from damage. And animal studies show that organic diets may benefit growth, reproduction, and the immune system One study also reported that chickens fed an organic diet showed reduced weight gain and had stronger immune systems Older observational studies suggest that organic foods may lower risk of allergies and eczema in children and infants.

A large observational study of , women found no difference in cancer risk between people who never ate organic food and those who ate it regularly Knowing what makes fruit organic will help you to plan for the future and potentially tap into a lucrative market.

To help you develop the best strategy for discovering what makes vegetables organic for yourself, we offer:. For a free quote or to speak with a representative, please contact us today! You must be logged in to post a comment. Toggle navigation. Corporate Address. Contact Us. Play Pause Unmute Mute. Consider the Higher Costs of Organic Growing Techniques Buying organic will usually cost more because of the more labor-intensive process used to grow the food.

Consider the Environmental Impact When safe, ecologically-balanced practices are used to grow your food, the local wildlife and vegetation are allowed to flourish, and local water sources are kept clean. Consider the Impact on Your Health Knowing what makes fruit organic could make the decision to buy organic easier. The organic movement does promote healthier soil and it stands to reason that in the long run, organic farming is better for overall soil quality.

For more information on organic foods visit The Soil Association website. Jo Lewin is a registered nutritionist RNutr with the Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health. All health content on bbcgoodfood. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Subscriber club Reader offers More Good Food. Sign in. Back to Recipes Pumpkin recipes Butternut squash See more.

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