Overview

Organic food is grown without man-made chemicals and uses farming that is safe for the environment. Interest in organic food has been increasing over the years. People believe that organic food is healthier and safer than regular food. However it is not clear if this is always the case.

Organic food has been tried for conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and many others. However, there is not enough evidence to say that organic food is better for these conditions than regular food.

Some people believe that organic food is healthier and safer than regular food. Organic food seems to contain less pesticides. Some research also shows that organic food contains more antioxidants than regular food. It's unknown whether these antioxidants help make people healthier. Finally, some research shows that organic milk and meat contain a higher amount of healthier fats compared to regular milk and meat. This might contribute to better heart health.

How does it work ?

Some people believe that organic food is healthier and safer than regular food. Organic food seems to contain less pesticides. Some research also shows that organic food contains more antioxidants than regular food. It's unknown whether these antioxidants help make people healthier. Finally, some research shows that organic milk and meat contain a higher amount of healthier fats compared to regular milk and meat. This might contribute to better heart health.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Asthma. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food don't have a lower risk of asthma compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis). There is limited evidence that infants and young children who regularly eat organic food until the age of 2 years don't have a lower risk of eczema compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • Prone to allergies and allergic reactions (atopic disease). There is limited evidence that infants and young children who regularly eat organic food until the age of 2 years aren't less prone to allergies compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • Cancer. Some limited research has found that people who eat more organic food have a slightly lower risk of cancer compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food. But not all research agrees.
  • Heart disease. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food don't have a lower chance of heart disease compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • Diabetes. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food have a lower chance of diabetes compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • High cholesterol. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food have a lower chance of having high cholesterol compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • High blood pressure. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food might have a lower chance of having high blood pressure compared to those who eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food have a lower chance of metabolic syndrome compared to those who eat less organic food.
  • Obesity. There is limited evidence that people who regularly eat organic food have a lower chance of being obese or overweight compared to those who eat less organic food.
  • Ear infection (otitis media). There is limited evidence that children of mothers who eat organic food during pregnancy have a lower risk of ear infection compared to those whose mothers eat mainly nonorganic food.
  • A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pre-eclampsia). There is limited evidence that pregnant women who eat more organic vegetables have a lower risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those who eat less organic vegetables. But there is no link between intake of organic fruit, cereals, eggs, or milk during pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia.
  • Feelings of well-being. There is limited evidence that people who eat more organic food have increased life satisfaction compared to those who eat less organic food.
  • Alzheimer disease.
  • Lead toxicity.
  • Migraine headache.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of organic food for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Organic food is LIKELY SAFE when eaten as part of the diet. There is no reason to expect safety issues.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Organic food is LIKELY SAFE when eaten as part of the diet. There is no reason to expect safety issues.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Organic food is LIKELY SAFE during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There is no reason to expect safety issues.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Organic Food overview.

Dosing

Organic food is produced differently in different countries. In general, organic food refers to food grown without man-made chemicals. Also, the style of farming to make organic food has to be safe for the environment.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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