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De Omnibus Dubitandum - Lux Veritas

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Fewer pesticides and more antioxidants on organic crops: so what?

Posted on July 14, 2014by admin

A multi-center, international group of scientists culled the world’s literature and found several hundred studies which they then analyzed (a meta-analysis) to discern significant differences between conventionally-grown crops and organic crops (and foods made from them). They found, on average, a 17 percent higher level of “antioxidants” and a lower rate of detection of various synthetic pesticides. They also found a higher level of“toxic cadmium.”

The article in the New York Times on this study by Kenneth Chang was (surprisingly) noncommittal on the health significance of this huge study, with the journalist citing several experts who registered between “so what?” and skepticism concerning its [lack of] overarching public health and nutritional significance.......Of course, crops grown under organic mandates will have fewer of the licensed, approved, safe pesticidesthan conventionals: what else is new? And the literature support for the health benefits of isoflavones, polyphenols, etc. is scanty at best (cadmium is indeed a “toxic” heavy metal — at high enough exposure — but none of the levels found pose a realistic health risk to anyone of any age from dietary consumption)......“None of the reviewed studies measured any remnants of so-called ‘organic’ pesticides–that is those that are permitted under the National Organic Program. There are many of these, and they are not necessarily safe for human consumption, but the organic foods industry seems to want to keep them secret.”.....To Read More...
 
Also feel free to see ACSH’s own evaluation of organic food’s alleged health benefits here.

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