Home > Organic > News > Organic nutritionThe chemical fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation that are used in conventional agriculture may inhibit plant's natural production of cancer fighting flavonoids. And according to researchers, organic agriculture, which does not use synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers, may actually promote the production of flavonoids in plants. Serving to protect plants from insects, bacterial and fungal infection and photo-oxidation, flavonoids are also thought to be useful in preventing cancer and heart disease. These plant chemicals are additionally shown to be helpful in combating age-related neurological dysfunctions. Studies comparing conventional farming with organic and sustainable farming of berries and corn, note that the organic and sustainable produce was significantly higher in flavonoids than conventional produce. Further, results showed that the conventionally produced goods had higher levels of nitrates and synthetic pesticides and few total solids than organic foods. Researchers suggest that the natural compounds showed various functions in the cell, including the potential to kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading. Thereby suggesting that plant chemicals could be used in the treatment of cancer to enhance cure rates, if combined with standard treatment methods. Diseases caused by oxidative stress such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's disease may also benefit with the effect of plant chemicals. According to researchers, supporters of genetically modified foods often deny or ignore the large body of evidence increasingly showing that organic farming gives high yields and is more beneficial to the environment and humans than conventional farming. |
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