HEART’S HELP

The researchers measured the amount of two flavonoids— quercetin and kaempferol—in dried tomato samples that had been collected as part of a ten-year-long study on agricultural methods. They found that on an average, the amounts of the antioxidants were 79 per cent and 97 per cent higher in the organic tomatoes than in conventionally grown fruit. Another research done at the University of California found that organically grown vegetables have over 50 per cent more antioxidants than the ones that are conventionally grown. The difference in nutrient value can be traced to the absence of fertilisers in organic farming. “When we synthetically protect a produce from pests, the product’s need to produce antioxidants decreases. This explains why organic foods have a higher amount of antioxidants,” says Dr S.K. Aggarwal, internal medicine, Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

The evidence in favour of organic food has been piling up for a while now. A study carried by Washington University found that children fed organic foods and juice had only one-sixth the level of organophosphate pesticide by-products in their urine as compared to children who ate non-organic, conventionally grown foods. The researchers said that the difference was statistically significant and meaningful to health. Agrees Dr Sakshi Chawla, senior dietician, Fortis, “Non-organic foods have a significant amount of pesticides that don’t go away despite repeated washes. Organic foods also have a higher level of beneficial vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc,” says Chawla.

Many supermarkets now have sections that sell organic fruits and vegetables, organic tea, spices and pulses. However, make sure you look for a certified organic product. “Since the consumer cannot observe how the food is produced, there is no option but to rely on the product labelling,” says Aggarwal. “Brands such as Organic India and Tulsi are certified by the government and are safe to consume,” says nutritionist Shikha Sharma.  

Organic food also tastes better than non-organic. “Because the soil is well balanced, the produce is healthier and thus tastes better,” says Chawla. However, organic foods are more expensive than foods that are conventionally grown. “Even though they are expensive, organic foods help protect our bodies from a wide number of diseases. People who consume organic food fall ill less often than those who don’t. Spending on organic foods is more like an investment in good health,” says Aggarwal.

GOOD FOOD
Organic foods are enriched with minerals and vitamin C. It has 27 per cent more Vitamin C, 29 per cent more magnesium, 21 per cent more iron and 14 per cent more phosphorus, when compared to conventional foods. The number of pesticide byproducts in fruits and vegetables are also significantly less.