- This article is great for individuals who do not know what it means to eat organic. It provides a definition for organic foods and then proceeds to explain how eating organically can improve physical health of individuals as well as how it can positively impact the environment. This page is super informative, the only disadvantage is that it has a very limited list of resources, which may be unreliable.
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/15-health-benefits-eating-organic-food.php
- This book, entitled “Health Benefits of Organic Food: Effects of the Environment” by CABI, published in 2008, includes information about the impact of certain nutrients on prevention or promotion of chronic diseases. It examines many factors such as the prevalence of food borne pesticides and how organic produce effects the environment compared to conventionally produced food. This book is a great resource for anyone who wishes to become more knowledgable about the advantages to eating locally grown produce but unfortunately it is costly.
- A dietician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who works with cancer patients addresses the commonly asked question “Is organic produce healthier?” Organic produce is clearly distinguished from conventional produce in this article. It also provides the “Dirty Dozen” which are the 12 fruits and vegetables that have the highest amount of pesticides. This article is a great resource to anyone who is hoping to start eating foods with less pesticides but does not completely understand what it means to eat organic produce. It will guide them on cost effective ways to reach their nutrition goals and provides them with a list of conventional produce to avoid. The disadvantage to this resource is it is a blog post that refers to a registered dietician, meaning it is a secondary source. This type of information source may be less favorable than a primary source such as a scientific journal
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/dietitian-weighs-in-on-dirty-dozen-fruits-and-vegetables
- Research was done to make the health benefits of organic foods to be better understood and to compare the health benefits of organic produce to conventional produce. Several studies were done in humans and in nutrient and contaminant levels in food that lead to the conclusion that there is no significant difference in the nutrition in organ foods and that of conventional foods. This is apart from the conclusion that consumption of organic foods will decrease exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Smith-Spangler C, Brandeau ML, Hunter GE, et al. Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives?: A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med. 2012;157:348–366. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007
- This video is an excellent resource for a consumer who does not know if organic produce is worth the money. A medical doctor and a registered nurse discuss which foods are worth spending the extra cash on to reduce the consumption of chemicals that may reside on the food. Dr. Larry Santora also provides a great rule of thumb to remember when shopping for fresh produce.