When it comes to cancer health and prevention, eating well is always a good idea. But does that mean people should choose organic foods over cheaper and arguably less wholesome products? Yes, says a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine that linked high consumption of organic foods with a significantly lower risk of cancer, MedPage Today reports.
The study, conducted as part of the ongoing
After adjusting the data for confounding variables, the study team found that compared with those with the lowest organic food scores, participants with high scores had a 25 percent lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer and all lymphomas, including
“Organic food standards do not allow the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides
However, there are some caveats. When researchers analyzed the data according to different subgroups, such as young adults, men, people with only a high school diploma, never and current smokers and participants who consumed a high-quality diet overall, the findings were no longer statistically significant.
The study recommends the promotion of organic food consumption among the general population as a promising preventive strategy against cancer while noting that the high cost of organic food remains a significant barrier to more widespread consumption.
If you can’t access or afford organic foods, consuming conventionally grown produce is still better than forgoing fruits and vegetables altogether and likely outweighs the risks of potential pesticide contamination, researchers stressed.
To learn more about the links between diet and cancer risk, click here.
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