WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study finds little evidence that organic food is much healthier than conventionally grown food.
Researchers at Stanford University report that eating organic fruits and vegetables can lower exposure to pesticides. But they say the amount measured in non-organic produce is very small and within safety limits.
As for nutritional value, organic food did not prove to be more nutritious.
One of the researchers involve in the study says the finding came as a surprise, But Dr. Dena Bravata notes "there are many reasons why someone might choose organic foods over conventional foods," from environmental concerns to taste preferences.
While organic food can cost considerably more, demand is rising. The government says the foods accounted for more than $31 billion in sales last year, up from $3.6 billion in 1997.
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233-a-12-(Dr. Dena Bravata, senior research affiliate at Stanford University, chief medical officer at Castlight Health, author of organic produce study, in AP interview)-"organically or not"-Organic produce study author Dr. Dena Bravata says one finding is that there was a difference in fatty acid levels, but that it might not be a significant finding. (3 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *233 (09/03/12)>> 00:12 "organically or not"
234-a-19-(Dr. Dena Bravata, senior research affiliate at Stanford University, chief medical officer at Castlight Health, author of organic produce study, in AP interview)-"are cared for"-Author of the organic produce study, Dr. Dena Bravata, says research shows that there isn't any significant health benefit to eating organic food. ((note length of cut)) (3 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *234 (09/03/12)>> 00:19 "are cared for"
235-a-12-(Dr. Dena Bravata, senior research affiliate at Stanford University, chief medical officer at Castlight Health, author of organic produce study, in AP interview)-"personal health concern"-Organic produce study author Dr. Dena Bravata was asked what her own buying habits are. (3 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *235 (09/03/12)>> 00:12 "personal health concern"
APPHOTO WX112: FILE - This March 16, 2011, file photo shows organic radishes at the Pacifica Farmers Market in Pacifica, Calif. Patient after patient asked: Is eating organic food, which costs more, really better for me? Unsure, Stanford University doctors dug through reams of research to find out — and concluded there's little evidence that going organic is much healthier, citing only a few differences involving pesticides and antibiotics. Eating organic fruits and vegetables can lower exposure to pesticides, including for children — but the amount measured from conventionally grown produce was within safety limits, the researchers reported Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. (AP Photo, File) (16 Mar 2011)
<<APPHOTO WX112 (03/16/11)>>
