More Matters™, a dynamic health initiative led by the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) in partnership with other health organizations says that organic fruits and vegetables are not more nutritious than conventionally grown. An analysis of 46 studies published in 2009 determined that “there is no evidence of a difference in nutrient quality between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.” The authors reported that a small number of differences in nutrient content existed between organically and conventionally produced foods, but were unlikely to be of public health relevance.

Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are safe! The U.S. EPA’s current process for evaluating the potential risks of pesticides on food is rigorous and health-protective. The EPA’s testing requirements for pesticides used on food are more extensive than for chemicals in any other use category, and include testing targeted specifically to assess the potential risks to fetuses, infants, and children. The 2010 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary confirms that pesticide residues in food do not pose a safety concern. Specifically, any residues found in fruits and vegetables are at levels that do not pose risk to consumers’ health.29 This nation’s food supply continues to be among the safest in the world.

Visit SafeFruitsAndVeggies.com to determine just how many fruits and vegetables would need to be consumed to even come close to any pesticide residues that might be harmful. Also visit FoodDialogues.com to learn where our food comes from.

The bottom line? The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh any risks from pesticide residues! Inadequate consumption among Americans is the much bigger concern. So, whether conventionally grown or organic, the important thing to remember is, the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are indisputable.

Source:  More Matters

Organic foods:
Are they safer? More nutritious?

The answer isn’t yet clear. A recent study examined the past 50 years’ worth of scientific articles about the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. The researchers concluded that organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs are comparable in their nutrient content. Research in this area is ongoing.

Organic food: Other considerations
Many factors influence the decision to choose organic food. Some people choose organic food because they prefer the taste. Yet others opt for organic because of concerns such as:

• Pesticides. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce. Some people buy organic food to limit their exposure to these residues. According to the USDA, organic produce carries significantly fewer pesticide residues than does conventional produce. However, residues on most products – both organic and nonorganic – don’t exceed government safety thresholds.
• Food additives. Organic regulations ban or severely restrict the use of food additives, processing aids (substances used during processing, but not added directly to food) and fortifying agents commonly used in nonorganic foods, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings, and monosodium glutamate.
• Environment. Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil quality.

Source: Mayo Clinic