Are organic fruits and veggies more nutritious?
By Susan Mah
According to the Canadian Produce Manufacturer’s Association, organic produce accounts for about 1.7 per cent of all produce department sales. The results from an Environics International Survey show that 18 per cent of Canadians purchase organic food on a regular basis. The reasons for choosing organic produce range from health concerns to environmental issues. But, is organic produce more nutritious than conventionally grown produce?
The answer is still a mystery. While there has been much discussion on this issue, very few good scientific studies can be found in the reputable medical journals. Some proponents claim that organic produce is likely to have more vitamin C, more protein and fewer nitrates than conventionally grown produce. But, because so many factors—sunlight, temperature, rainfall, pollution, soil conditions, freshness and processing—can affect nutrient content, it’s quite difficult to design experiments that can give accurate and consistent nutritional comparisons.
Overall, specialists in the field say that the nutritional value of organic produce is not significantly different from produce grown conventionally, though the cost for something with an “organic” label is significantly higher. Research however, has documented the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. So, whether you choose organic or not, reach for at least five servings every day, and try to eat produce as fresh as possible.
For tips on eating more fruits and veggies, visit the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Web site at www.cpma.ca.
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