What are the nutritional benefits of eating organic food?

Organic products may have more of certain antioxidants and types of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. The dietary requirements of organic farm animals (livestock) typically result in higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Organic foods

contain more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients than conventionally raised foods. There is increasing evidence that documents how cultivation methods can influence the nutritional content of foods.

Once the NOSB and the NOP add a material to the national list, external organizations, such as the Organic Materials Review Institute, evaluate new products to ensure that they meet the requirements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and biotechnology companies that design GMOs insist that they are safe. Many food safety advocates point out that long-term studies have never been conducted to confirm the safety of the use of GMOs, while some animal studies have indicated that the consumption of GMOs can cause damage to internal organs, slow brain growth and thicken the digestive tract. Learn more about how to increase soil fertility on an organic farm in the USDA Guide for Organic Crop Growers.

Organic farmers couldn't grow their produce fast enough to supply the retailer, so they decided to lend money to farmers to buy land and equipment to grow more organic products. Older observational studies suggest that organic foods may reduce the risk of allergies and eczema in children and infants. Meanwhile, a research article published in the journal Food Chemistry found that organic soy has a healthier nutritional profile than conventionally grown or genetically modified Roundup Ready soy. If a product contains less than 70% organic ingredients, it cannot be labeled as organic or use the USDA seal.

Therefore, offering organic foods and fiber products on the market gives parents the option of choosing products produced without the use of these toxins. A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that those who ate organic foods frequently reduced their overall risk of developing cancer. Organic farmers use natural organic fertilizers and soil amendments, such as organic matter (things that can be composted) and green manures (cover crops that are grown specifically to improve the soil), e.g., some small local farmers use organic methods, but they may not be able to afford to obtain organic certification. The use of insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers and herbicides is strictly controlled in the production of organic food.

Food that has been irradiated, no matter how it is grown or produced, cannot be labeled as USDA-certified organic products. In addition, animal studies show that organic diets can benefit growth, reproduction and the immune system (2). However, when it comes to stating that organic foods are actually more nutritious than non-organic foods, most scientists agree that more research is needed.