The merit of organic food comes under question in a recent study out of Stanford University—resulting in a flurry of media attention. Subsequent headlines have claimed “Organic Food Hardly Healthier” and “No Nutritional Edge to Organic Food.” Given all that’s being said, we at PHS wanted to weigh in on the issue.
Before diving too deep, let’s revisit the study that sparked the controversy. Its intent was to compare the health effects of organic and conventional foods, and its findings indicate no strong evidence that organic foods are more nutritious. In short: an organic tomato isn’t “healthier” than its conventionally grown counterpart.
Does this mean there is no benefit to growing or buying organic produce? Not so fast. Even if there were no significant nutritional distinction, other factors must be considered.
Garnering less attention is the study’s second finding, which is that organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As there is a suggested link between ingested pesticides and certain diseases, organic alternatives may still be worthwhile.
Another factor is ecological. Farmland that isn’t doused in chemical fertilizers and pesticides is healthier for the soil, surrounding water sources, and air quality. Growing vegetables and fruits the organic way may be more costly and time-consuming, but for many people, the environmental outcome is worth spending a few dollars more at the grocery store.
At PHS we have whole-heartedly gone organic. The PHS City Harvest program trains and supports urban gardeners who maintain their plots in earth-friendly ways. In May 2011, PHS converted to strictly organic practices in regards to the maintenance of its 16 public landscapes (such as Logan Square and the Azalea Garden).
As word of this Stanford study spreads, many more opinions will be aired, and they are bound to run the gamut. What is clear, however, is that fruits and vegetables should be a staple in all diets, regardless of how and where they are grown. When you visit a grocery store, shop the perimeter and purchase food that is fresh, not packaged. Also seek out farmers markets and community-supported agriculture when possible.
And we at PHS want to know, what’s your take on this interesting and important issue? We encourage you to express yourself in the comments section below.
Useful links:
A succinct overview of the study from the Annals of Internal Medicine
The Guardian’s response, touching upon soil safety and the unknown long-term health outcomes
BoingBoing’s concern about oversimplified science-news headlines
NPR talks with the people behind the study
Amelia
September 4, 2012
I purchase organic produce, “voting” with my checkbook for a more sustainable approach to farming. I believe the food and the environment is inherently more healthy without added toxins; my primary motivation is not because the produce may have more nutrition.
I haven’t dug into it, but would be interested to know who/what funded this mega-study and who is positioning the release of the information. The coverage I have heard so far seems to steer away from the environmental health aspect.
Chris woods
September 4, 2012
It is not organic farming that has devastated the bee population but rather the indiscriminate use of pesticides. It is not organic fruits and vegetables that are suspected to contribute to the cause of diseases from autism to various cancers but fungicides and pesticides that are used so widely.
Paul
September 4, 2012
Many millions would starve if organic practice were adopted in poor countries.
AMG
September 5, 2012
People have fed themselves and their families for millions of years, ORGANICALLY. If we informed and educated these so-called “poor countries” in the benefits of farming without pesticides. Start doing this and the bug population (ie. beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and, especially bees) would return to their native lands and naturally take care of the pests. It is too bad that people believe that big agriculture (and their chemicals) is the only path to feeding the hungry.
A.E.Page
September 4, 2012
Stanford University is a hotbed of fascism. Surely that’s a well known fact, not to mention that the tactic of publishing phony studies, articles, interviews, etc. is a favorite tactic of the Right Wing Wealthy Ruling Class, anyway. They lie, threaten, smear, libel, etc…..you know, the “Karl Rove School of Political Strategies”. Monsanto is likely behind all this, one of the most evil corporations on earth, which doesn’t like the organic movement, obviously, because it doesn’t use Monsanto’s poisons.
S.H.B.
September 5, 2012
Touche!
Conni
September 4, 2012
One reason to buy organic is the health of the farmworkers who grow and harvest our produce. Pesticide exposure for them and their children is extremely high compared to those who simply eat the food. And if you’ve ever been strafed by a crop duster, you’d go organic quickly. I grew up in the midwest surrounded by farms, so I have some experience to back this up. And the United Nations recently released a study demonstrating that organic practices will indeed prove capable of feeding earth’s growing population.
Lynne Cullinane
September 5, 2012
It was surprising to read that the researchers thought they’d find more vitamins and nutrients in organic foods and not surprising that they didn’t find them. I use organic products as much as possible because of the pesticide/antibiotic issues, the healthy land and water issues, and also because they really do taste better. Organically raised poultry and eggs are far superior to those produced conventionally, and organic produce is also more flavorful. All good reasons to support organic farmers and markets!
Jim Redman
September 5, 2012
I find it curious that a megastudy purporting to determine the value of organic versus chemfarmed food soft-pedals the value of avoiding as much as possible of the biological load of toxic chemicals, especially endocrine distruptors. Speaking of which, so far I see no mention of something that is very obviously a hot topic, Genetically Modified Organisms and their effects.
Or bioflavonoids and micronutrients.
Ah, but you don’t see what you don’t look for.
I get it…