A UK study by the University of Newcastle has shown that switching to organic produce could extend average lifespans, as well as keeping people healthier and slimmer.
This is due to the higher count of key nutrients including vitamin C in fruit and vegetables grown without artificial fertilisers, the researchers stated.
'In organic produce the content of secondary metabolites is 12 per cent higher than in conventional samples,' the academics said, while the presence of vitamin C was found to be six per cent higher on average.
As a result, lifespans could typically be extended by 25 days for men and 17 days for women, but some could live for up to five years longer, according to the researchers.
The study contradicts the findings of the Food Standards Agency, which caused an uproar in 2009 when it published research stating that there was no significant increase in nutrients in organic produce.
Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, commented: “There are lots of reasons people choose organic, not least because it is better for the environment, animal welfare and wildlife. Here we have research which demonstrates a significant health benefit. As more science is conducted, we see evidence showing beneficial nutritional differences associated with organic food.”
