The organic vs non-organic debate has been the subject of fierce debate for decades now. However a new study entitled “Higher antioxidant concentrations and less cadmium and pesticide residues in organically-grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.” Baranski, M. et al. published in the British Journal of Nutrition, has put the debate to rest. Hundreds of thousands of Youtube videos present a wide array of arguements but the evidence from the Newcastle University study is overwhelming – that organic food is high in antioxidants and lower in toxic metals and pesticides.
Thanks to funding by the European Framework 6 programme and the Sheepdrove Trust, the researchers carried out meta-analyses based on 343 peer-reviewed publications. The study now makes it scientfically official a winner in the organic vs non organic dabate that;
- Concentrations of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were between 18 to 69% higher in organically-grown crops.
- Nitrogen concentrations were found to be significantly lower in organic crops.
- Substantially lower concentrations of a range of the toxic heavy metal cadmium were also detected in organic crops (on average 48% lower).
Professor Charles Benbrook, one of the authors of the study and a leading scientist based at Washington State University, explains:
“Our results are highly relevant and significant and will help both scientists and consumers sort through the often conflicting information currently available on the nutrient density of organic and conventional plant-based foods.”
The concentrations of a range of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were found to be substantially higher in organic crops/crop-based foods. A wide range of published research studies have shown health benefits of antioxidants to include;
- reduced risk of chronic diseases.
- improved cardiovascular health
- reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- reduced risk of certain cancers.
The above results by Newcastle University has fuelled online organic campaigns and will positively influence the ongoing consumer trend towards clean, transparent food brands. An increase in organic agriculture is also expected to assist environmental pressures. It is widely documented that Agricultural expansion is responsible for 70 percent of global deforestation, and is the single greatest threat to tropical forests. Following organic farming practices in biodiversity-rich regions will save on soil erosion, water pollution and wildlife habitat destruction. This is another major reason why organic is winning in the organic vs non organic debate.
