Don't pay a premium for organic food to be “healthier”

Cost

Usually 1 to 3 times the price of the ordinary version of the same food.

What you get

One systematic review looked together at 17 studies done in people and 223 studies measuring food composition. Its conclusion was “there is a lack of strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods.” Only 3 of those studies looked at how healthy people were after eating it (it looked at allergies and symptomatic infections), and no difference was seen between the two sides. The share of organic produce with detectable pesticide residue is 30 percentage points lower, but detected does not mean over the limit. It looks like a good deal because “no pesticides means safer, and safer means healthier” sounds like common sense at every step

Notes

There are very few studies that look directly at how healthy people are after eating it. So the conclusion is “no evidence that it is better,” not “proven to have no benefit.” Environmental impact, animal welfare and taste are not covered here. Eating more vegetables and fruit is useful in itself, and whether they are organic does not change that

Evidence grade

B : Supported by research but without a precise number, or based on small or single studies.

Sources

1. Smith-Spangler C et al. (2012). Are organic foods safer or healthier than conventional alternatives?: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 6, tip 9. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer