The Truth About Organic Food: New Study of Organic Crops Finds Fewer Pesticides, More Antioxidants.

The Truth About Organic Food: New Study of Organic Crops Finds Fewer Pesticides, More Antioxidants.Is organic better for you? A new study says yes.What does organic mean? In a nutshell, organic foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and are farmed using methods that emphasize conservation and environmental sustainability.At Cocobeet, we are committed to using organic produce for a number of reasons. We believe organic is healthier for the individual, the community, and the environment. As more people question the quality of food sources in America, research supporting the benefits of organic food continues to mount. A new study published this week in The British Journal of Nutrition provides the latest evidence that organic produce is the safest and most nutritious choice.In a meta-analysis of 343 previously published studies – the largest of its kind - researchers at Newcastle University in England found significantly higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides in organically grown produce than in conventionally grown counterparts.In the study, organic foods and food crops contained 19 – 69% higher concentrations of key antioxidants. While no specific health claims can be made, these antioxidants are linked to lower risks of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and other chronic conditions.   In other words, organic produce contains, pound for pound, substantially more nutrients and protective compounds than conventionally grown crops.Pesticide residue, meanwhile, was found to be four times higher in conventional crops than their organic counterparts. Notably, the organic crops had significantly lower levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. The levels fell within federal regulations; however, we know shockingly little about the long-term implications of ingesting the chemicals and toxins found in conventionally grown food.The bottom line of the study: organic food had more nutrients and fewer toxins. The findings here are just a starting point for much-needed research around our food sources.Our take? This research aligns with basic common sense. Pure food is better food.If you're looking to detox your body, start from the ground up.  In our juice cleanses, we minimize the impact of chemicals by using organic produce from clean soil.  This means you're fueling your body with the purest and most nutritious sources possible.Beyond nutrition…Beyond the straightforward health benefits, there are compelling reasons to choose organic foods. For one, organic food tastes better – do a taste test and you’ll see for yourself.Perhaps most importantly, however, organic eating profoundly affects our society and our environment. The costs of conventionally grown food can’t simply be calculated at the register. Michael Pollan says it well: “…the stronger case is to the citizen. Farming without synthetic pesticides is better for the soil, for the water and for the air — which is to say, for the commons. It is also better for the people who grow and harvest our food, who would much rather not breathe pesticides.”At the Cocobeet juice bar, we make every effort to use only organic produce in our cold-pressed juices and juice cleanses, superfood smoothies, and raw vegan foods. We aim to make truly healthy, organic foods and juices accessible to the Boston community.  Read more about Cocobeet’s commitment to organic.