Organic food helps to lengthen lives: Study

London 29-Oct-2007.

Those who scoff at organic foods, eat your words. If researchers are to be believed, organic food is more nutritious than ordinary produce and helps to lengthen our lives.

Yes, according to a study in Britain, organic fruits and vegetables contain 40 per cent more antioxidants which can cut the risk of cancer and heart disease, and they also have higher levels of beneficial minerals such as iron and zinc.

"There is enough evidence now that the level of good things is higher in organics," 'The Sunday Times' reported today, quoting lead researcher Prof Carlo Leifert as saying.

In fact, the researchers came to the conclusion after collecting evidence over a period of four years.

They grew fruit and vegetables and reared cattle on adjacent organic and non-organic sites on a 725-acre farm attached to Newcastle University in Britain, and at other sites in Europe.

The researchers found that the levels of antioxidants in milk from organic herds were up to 90 per cent higher than in milk from conventional herds.

As well as finding up to 40 per cent more antioxidants in organic vegetables, the study found that organic tomatoes from Greece had significantly higher levels of antioxidants, including flavo-noids which reduce coronary heart disease.

"The differences were so marked that organic produce would help to increase the nutrient intake of people not eating the recommended five portions a day of fruit and vegetables.

"If you have just 20 per cent more antioxidants and you can't get your kids to do five a day, then you might just be okay with four a day," said Professor Leifert.

The 12-million-pounds study has been funded by the European Union.

By Shamsheer (H)