Conventional Diet vs Organic: What New Research Tells Us

Until now, there has been very few studies carried out that compare organic with conventional Australian diets. While understanding the many benefits, most comprehensive studies have been performed overseas, where different regulations surrounding agriculture applies. Thanks to Dr Liza Oates at Melbourne’s RMIT University, however, Australian’s now have a more in depth look at the benefits of eating organic.

Dr Oates’ study compared a week of conventional eating with a week of consuming predominantly certified organic food. During the organic phase, the participants consumed on average 93% organic food, which included both certified organic and “likely organic” sources.

The results found that participants living on the organic diet saw a drop of 89% in organophosphate pesticides in their urine, a staggering amount in just one short week. The study is a strong reminder that chemicals can make their way into the body via our food and drink choices, but the fact that some chemicals remained in those eating an organic diet shows there are alternate routes of exposure too. Ironically, those in rural areas consume less quantities of pesticide-contaminated food, yet they are the most exposed to pesticide sprays. As pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled, even those eating organic can still be exposed as long as the country continues to use pesticides on crops.

Organophosphate pesticides are commonly used when producing conventional food and, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, organophosphates are highly toxic to bees and wildlife, as well as humans. Recent studies suggest a possible link to adverse effects in the neurobehavioural development of fetuses and children, even at very low levels of exposure. There is also emerging research suggesting a link between chronic low-dose exposure to organophosphates and issues with the nervous system.

Given their weight and growing patterns, children are at the most risk of contamination from agricultural chemicals, and the latest research by Dr Oates has strengthened Australia Organic’s concerns for child safety. If such high levels of organophosphates can be found in adults, the need to reduce pesticides in children’s food is even more prominent. The good news is that the study showed how quickly the toxins can leave the body, simply by switching to an organic diet.

Earlier in the year, Moms Across America, an organisation concerned with the use of pesticides and genetically modified foods, carried out a series of tests with some of their members. What they found was that some women’s breast milk contained what they call “high” levels of glyphosate (found in products such as RoundUp). Other overseas research has supported a reduction in food additives (organic regulations ban or severely restrict the use of food additives) and has praised the conservation of water and soil quality seen with organic farming.

While organic research is yet to declare the difference in nutrition with its traditionally grown counterparts, there is no denying that organic farming can help the environment and reduce pollution. If it can reduce the level of toxins in the body too, surely that can only be a good thing.