The verdict is in: Organic fruits and veggies can significantly boost your overall health, according to a recent meta-analysis from the British Journal of Nutrition. The reason: more antioxidants, fewer pesticides. “Smart lifestyle choices, like eating organic, are the best way to deal with all the stresses, strains, and pathogens of modern-day life,” says study coauthor Charles Benbrook, a sustainability expert at Washington State University. Here’s how the science stacks up: Photo by Mitch Mandel All-organic diets deliver the antioxidant equivalent of 2 extra servings of fruits and veggies daily, compared with conventional eating styles.
Photo by Ingram Publishing Eating organic can reduce your exposure to agricultural chemicals—by 48% in the instance of cadmium, a toxic metal in fertilizer. Photo by Getty Images Organic produce contains 20 to 40% more disease-fighting antioxidants, which studies suggest may decrease muscle pain, boost heart health, and protect skin from the sun. MORE: How To Eat Organic On A Budget