Overall, when it comes to crops that produce food like fruits and vegetables, the main difference is that organic is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, says Melanie Hingle, Ph.D., M.P.H., RDN. ….
But here’s the kicker—organic doesn’t necessarily mean pesticide-free…says Meghan Garrity, M.S., RD, CSO…
Garrity notes that lowering exposure to these pesticides doesn’t automatically translate into an outcome like cancer prevention…
Related on the SLP
Organic and conventional foods differ in many ways, one of which is the use of pesticides. Organic foods cannot be grown using synthetic pesticides, though that does not mean they’re pesticide-free. Although there is evidence of less pesticide residue in the urine after eating an organic diet, it’s unclear whether that directly translates to a lower risk of cancer. What’s more, the evidence also isn’t certain that an organic diet will offer more protection against cancer compared to one containing conventional food. In fact, when it comes to cancer prevention, research shows that your overall diet is what’s most important. Whether you choose organic or not, any fruits and vegetables are better than none….
