For several years now, eating organic has become commonplace. Specialized supermarkets have flourished all over France. However, we are constantly told the interest of these products in our diet. So, in the end, is organic really better for your health?
To prove this thesis, the Swedish cooperative grocery chain “Coop” funded a study. In order to carry it out, the diet of a family of five was observed for a period of three weeks. Before the experiment, the family consumed industrial products as well as vegetables from conventional agriculture.
Urine tests showed the presence of eight pesticides in the five family members. “We discovered insecticides, fungicides and growth regulators,” says Jorgen Magner, head of the study. The problem with these pesticides is that their cumulative effects are still poorly understood:"We know very little about the long-term effects of consuming food treated with pesticides," adds Dr. Magner.
Fortunately, the level of pesticide in their bodies remains authorized by law. But, for the experience, they changed their diet:only organic. And the result is there, after several days, all traces of pesticides had disappeared!
In addition, as Le Parisien points out, last year a study by the University of Newcastle showed that organic fruits and vegetables have 69% more antioxidants than their retail counterparts.
