Organic Insider

Better Choices

Study: Organic Tomatoes Contain More Antioxidants than Conventional Ones

In yet another study, we have more evidence that organic is a healthier choice.

A report out of the University of Barcelona claims that organic tomatoes have a higher amount of antioxidants than conventional tomatoes.

Researchers used liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine that organic tomatoes have a greater amount of phenolic compounds or polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants of plant origin, are associated with the prevention of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, and some forms of cancer.

There are two interesting aspects of this study.

1) The researchers determined that the differences between organic and conventional tomatoes are due to the manure used in each farming method.

According to Anna Vallverdú Queralt of the University of Barcelona, “Organic farming doesn’t use nitrogenous fertilizers. As a result, plants respond (to stress) by activating their own defense mechanisms, thereby increasing the levels of all antioxidants.”

2) This organic tomato report is a follow-up study of something that I wrote about a while ago – that organic ketchup has higher antioxidant activity than conventional ketchup.

In the production process, there were lower levels of polyphenols, so the researchers had to determine that the differences were in fact from the raw material. This new finding proved that it was.

MY TAKE

Although the price of organic may be slightly more expensive, mostly because organic does not receive the same amount of subsidies from the government, you are also paying for a food that has greater nutritional value. Organic tomatoes and conventional tomatoes are just not the exact same food.

Furthermore, organic tomatoes are not sprayed with toxic pesticides.

This report on tomatoes does not surprise me in the least and is just more confirmation that organic is the superior option.

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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Another Reason to Eat Organic — No Potassium Bromate in Your Bread

If you are a bread lover, which so many of us are, there is just another reason why you should be eating organic: potassium bromate.

Potassium bromate is an additive used in flour which strengthens the dough and allows it to rise higher. Furthermore, it gives the finished bread an appealing white color.

But, the problem is that this additive is also linked to cancer.

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A message from Tradin Organic

Why Tradin Organic is Prioritizing Regenerative Organic Farming

At Tradin Organic, we believe that regenerative organic farming is key to growing healthy and nutritious food ingredients — for now and for future generations.

And in Sierra Leone, we have grown the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified cacao.

Learn more.

Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Study: Organic Ketchup Has Higher Levels of Antioxidants than Conventional Ketchup

Last year, I wrote about a groundbreaking study from Washington State University that said that organic strawberries have higher antioxidant activity and concentrations of ascorbic acid than conventional strawberries.

This research was the subject of much conversation in the organic industry because now we could point to objective, independent research that validated the superiority of organic.

Well, for those who still don’t believe that organic is a better option, maybe a recently released report from Spain will make them think differently.

In a study performed at the University of Barcelona Science and Technology Centres and reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ketchup made from organic tomatoes proved to have higher levels of polyphenols than ketchup made from conventional tomatoes. (Polyphenols are biomolecules with antioxidant properties and protective effects in the human body.)

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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Cancer Expert Says Hormonal Milk is Not Safe; Organic Milk is the Clear Choice

For many people, organic milk is the first organic food product that they will buy.

This is largely because milk serves as an important source of nutrition for kids. It, therefore, begs the question “what exactly is my child drinking?”

Not all milk is created equal

Hormonal milk contains a genetically engineered hormone called Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST), which is produced by companies such as Monsanto and Elanco.

rBST is injected into approximately 20% of all U.S. dairy cows in order to increase milk production, and industry studies by consultants report that this hormone is safe for both the cows and consumers.

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Explore Coverage

"My Everyday, Must-Have Green Organic Aquabotanical"

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Another Reason to Eat Organic — No Potassium Bromate in Your Bread

Why Tradin Organic is Prioritizing Regenerative Organic Farming

Study: Organic Ketchup Has Higher Levels of Antioxidants than Conventional Ketchup

Cancer Expert Says Hormonal Milk is Not Safe; Organic Milk is the Clear Choice