Organic food has long been touted as a healthier alternative to non-organic products, but many people are still skeptical about whether it's actually
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Organic foods are generally more expensive to buy than non-organic produce, but Spector suggests that you don't have to make the switch entirely and can introduce the healthy foods slowly. He pointed to a 2014 study in The British Journal of Nutrition, which revealed organic produce contained more polyphenols than non-organic versions. Polyphenols are a type of natural antioxidant that helps combat inflammation in the body, which is linked to range of health problems.
Spector explained that polyphenols are substances that naturally protect the plant against insects and environmental conditions. As non-organic fruit and vegetables can lean on growers protecting them with chemicals like pesticides, they don't produce as many polyphenols. He added that organic produce raised in traditional ways have more of these beneficial compounds.
Spector also noted that although levels of additives like pesticides and herbicides in food are checked to ensure they don't directly cause cancer, whether the substances can more subtly harm our health over time is a different question. He said there have been minimal studies on humans which consider the longer-term harm such chemicals may do to the body, but these studies have tenuously linked them to serious health problems like cancer, infertility, and ADHD.
When it comes to buying organic food, Spector acknowledged that it can be 'really expensive' and not everyone has the luxury to afford it. However, he said going organic needn't break the bank, and there are more affordable ways people can incorporate organic foods into their diet. He suggested opting for just some organic foods in their regular shop or getting organic tinned and frozen food as a cheaper alternative.
Spector also said the one thing he personally wouldn't skip on was buying organic tomatoes as he eats them every day. But, for those still sceptical to make the switch, Spector also revealed the non-organic produce buyers should avoid. He said breakfast cereals which contain oats should be skipped at all costs, due to the high levels of chemical additives. Oats are often grown in damp countries and sprayed with artificial chemicals like glyphosate before they are harvested to dry out, meaning their levels are five to 10 times more than many other grains.
Spector added that there are also ways to make non-organic foods a bit better for you at home. 'Washing helps, but it doesn't get it down anywhere near to organic levels,' he said. Instead, he advised peeling the produce or adding baking soda to remove potentially harmful additives.
In conclusion, Professor Spector's findings suggest that while organic food may be more expensive than non-organic produce, the health benefits may outweigh the cost. He recommends introducing organic food slowly, and avoiding non-organic products like breakfast cereals with oats.
