Are organic foods the best defense against cancer?
Eating organic foods is fine as an option, but it’s not necessarily preferable in terms of lowering cancer risk. You can find studies showing that organic foods are higher in nutrients and protective phytochemicals, but you can find just as many showing they’re not. Although people worry about pesticide residues, not all conventionally grown, nonorganic crops contain them. Of those that do, less than 1% have them in amounts above the current strict tolerance levels. If you prefer organic, that’s fine. But organic fruits and vegetables do cost more. So if you’re eating fewer fruits and vegetables just so you can afford buying them organic, that’s not a good idea. People shouldn’t feel like they’re putting themselves at risk if they’re eating conventionally grown foods.
