This was in the news recently – even on our local Chicago channels and in the local papers: Are Organic Foods Healthier? I wonder who financed this study because the news piece starts off rather negative and knowing the short attention span of the average TV viewer, one could walk away from this dissemination of info with the wrong interpretation.
Maybe you saw the headlines: “Paying more per pound for organic doesn’t promise fresher produce, says a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In fact, when it comes to nutrition, organic and conventional fruits and vegetables are about the same, the Stanford University study reveals.”
Is that really the point of organic food???
Later during the news piece; when the average American TV viewer has already made up their mind and is foraging in the pantry for high fructose corn sugar snacks; the article gets to the true point of why we should buy organics: “When researchers looked at multiple studies comparing organic and conventional produce, they found organic produce was 30 percent less likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues. Pesticides aren’t widely used in organic farming—though they are used. Seven percent of organic food tested had some contamination, says senior study author Dena Bravata, M.D., research affiliate for Stanford University.”
30% percent less likely to be contaminated with pesticides? That seems like a poor percentage! Are they growing most organics next to Monsanto fields? I don’t get it…
Here is a link to the article – you decide – and your comments are welcome!
John C. Bader
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I read the article, and I am really surprised but, probably shouldn’t be.
The apples in our house never get to the fridge but, now they will. I have a Granny Smith Apple every night. Like the tartness. From now on, well scrubbed.
If the stat is 30% less likely, does it mean conversely, 70% more likely? Seriously, is less attention paid? Same attention? Is organic becoming a generic form of identity, and fraudulent by, charging more for less than we might think we’re getting?
You’re in Chicago? Going to visit a year from October to see World Champion Cubs in World Series at Wrigley Field. Have to put Epstein & Hoyer on waivers, first.
Good questions about organics! I just do not know.. kind of scary.. Chicago welcomes you!