More minerals and more vitamin C - research comparing the nutrient contents of organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables reveals a strong trend toward higher levels in organic produce. Of 27 valid comparisons of the mineral and vitamin C contents of organic and non-organic crops, 14 showed significantly higher levels in organic produce while just one favoured non-organic.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/4 ... enDocumentMore protective antioxidants - plants contain some 5,000–10,000 naturally occurring compounds (known as phytonutrients) that are often involved in protecting the plant from pests and diseases. Because organic crops are not artificially protected with pesticides they tend to produce more naturally occurring phytonutrients, many of which are now known to have protective (antioxidant) properties. Some are proving useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Fewer pesticide residues - these are rarely found on organic food. In contrast, pesticides are found on one in three non-organic foods tested each year, and multiple residues of up to seven different compounds are not uncommon. Pesticide safety is tested for individual compounds, but we know very little about the 'cocktail effect' of multiple residues. Some research suggests that they may be hundreds of times more toxic than the same compounds individually.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/c ... enDocumentFewer food additives - while food manufacturers can use more than 500 additives, organic food processors are prohibited from using a host of ingredients that researchers say may be harmful to our health such as aspartame, hydrogenated fat, phosphoric acid, sulphur dioxide, monosodium glutamate, or artificial flavourings and colourings.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/4 ... enDocumentGM free - there is insufficient evidence to prove that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, and some animal feeding trials have revealed unexpected toxicities.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/c ... enDocumentCuts antibiotic use - antibiotics are used extensively in non-organic farming to promote growth and to prevent disease in intensively reared, overcrowded farm animals. High standards of animal welfare in organic farming minimise the need for antibiotics and other veterinary drugs which are used only when strictly necessary.
http://www.soilassociation.org/Whyorgan ... fault.aspxMinimise food poisoning risks - a government survey gave organic food a clean bill of health and confirmed expectations that organic methods, such as the careful composting of manure, minimise pathogenic risks such as E.coli o157
Source:
http://www.soilassociation.org/