| Organic food is more nutritious and is richer in antioxidants than its non-organic counterparts, according to new research. Scientists leading this British project have called on the U.K. government to accept the evidence and encourage consumers to eat organic produce, according to UK-based The Organic Monitor.
The study, carried out by Prof Carlo Leifert at Newcastle University, found that organic fruit and vegetables contained more than 40 percent more antioxidants and could reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Prof Leifert said the effect of eating organic foods would be the equivalent of having one extra portion of fruit and vegetables every day.
Researchers grew the fresh produce and reared cattle on the university’s 725-acre farm in Northumberland as part of the research.
Organic crops were grown alongside conventional crops including lettuces, cabbages, potatoes and carrots before their nutritional qualities were tested.
Scientists also found that organic milk contained almost 90 per cent more antioxidants than non-organic milk.
The findings call into question advice of the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), which insists that organic produce is no more healthy than conventional produce.
The FSA’s current advice says: “Consumers may also choose to buy organic food because they believe that it is safer and more nutritious than other food.
“However, the balance of current scientific evidence does not support this view.”
The FSA has said it will consider the research and review its own advice on organic foods if that becomes necessary.
Source: Vitamin Retailer Magazine
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