New research has claimed that organically grown fruit and vegetables are less nutritious and taste no better than those grown with the aid of chemical fertilizers. In trials with potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes, it was found that non-organic produce were better on both counts.
Normally grown broccoli had higher concentrations of antioxidants, whilst potatoes had a greater level of vitamin C than its organic counterpart. The "normal" tomatoes tended to have a stronger flavour and were sweeter, according to nearly 70% of tasters.
Organic Fruit
Britain's organic food industry is worth over £2 billion, with such food typically costing up to 30% more that traditionally grown varieties. Consumer advisers are expressing concern that the public have been misled over the benefits of organically produced foodstuffs and that these have been overblown. During the current financial difficulties and the consequent strain being experienced by many families trying to maintain healthy family eating habits on a tighter budget, some are questioning whether the healthier eating claims for organic produce really stack up!
One leading nutritionist is at pains to point out that consumers choose organic produce for reasons not necessarily restricted to nutrition or taste. Environmental factors, and the lack of pesticide residues, are important considerations for many people. These reasons should, however, be more clearly cited by proponents of organic food, where these are shown to be the over-riding consideration related to consumer choice. Nutrition and taste alone, it would appear, are no longer a sufficiently sound basis for exercising this choice.
Concerned about risk to health posed by pesticide and other chemical residues in traditionally grown food, many people claim they are unable to afford to buy organic produce and, therefore, eat little or no fruit and vegetables. This new research shows, however, that these foods do, in fact, have plenty of nutrition and taste in them.
Organic proponents continue to promote the lack of pesticide and chemicals used in production as a major health and environmental issue for consumers, and there is considerable merit in their stance.
However, in the face of the results of this latest, albeit small-scale study, it can no longer continue to justify the taste and nutritional superiority of organic produce when it comes to encouraging and influencing consumer choice.
Organic Food - Nutritional Benefits Under Scrutiny!
J R Wilson
http://www.eat-yourself-thin.co.uk
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