Is organic food better for your heart?

The latest research has found that organic fruit and vegetables may be better for you than conventionally grown crops. Researchers from the University of California conducted a ten-year study comparing organic tomatoes with standard tomatoes.

According to Vhi Healthcare, the results showed that organic foods had nearly double the amount of flavonoids, an anti-oxidant found in soil, which have been proven to reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease than the non-organic tomatoes.

The researchers said the different levels of flavonoids in the tomatoes could be due to the lack of fertilisers used in organic farming.

Organic food is produced according to a set of principles and standards concerning such issues as pesticides, additives, animal welfare and sustainability.

Supermarkets are expanding their organic ranges, but a growing number of consumers are turning directly to the farmers for their organic food. The organic market is thriving and is being driven by consumers who want to buy fresh, local, good-quality seasonal food direct from the farmer.

Why go organic?

Many people turn to organic food because of concerns about pesticides. Pesticide residues end up in our food and nobody knows the long-term implications of their combined effect.

The organic movement aims for food that is produced as 'naturally' as possible, free from trans-fats, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and most additives.

In a 2001 review of 41 studies, organic crops were all shown to have higher levels of vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorus.
In terms of the environmental benefits, organic farms naturally promote biodiversity as the lack of herbicides and pesticides encourages wildlife. Green and animal manures are used to enrich the soil, whereas some intensive farming methods result in soil erosion.

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