Tip of the Week

Take a Rat's Advice: Eat Organic

Organic produce, researchers have shown, generally packs more antioxidants and other healthier and more flavorful phytochemicals than conventional produce. Wow, that's great, but why? The current theory is that organic produce creates more phytochemicals, which plants use to ward off microbes and insects, than conventionally grown veggies treated with pesticides and fungicides. The extra work makes organics taste better and makes them healthier for us to eat.

What's this got to do with rats? Apparently people can't seem to detect the subtle taste difference between organic and conventional foods, even if the organic has more taste-enhancing phytochemicals, but rats can. Or so a team of Swiss and Austrian scientists recently showed in the results of their 21-year study of organic wheat production. They gave lab animals a choice of biscuits made from organic or conventional wheat. The rats ate significantly more of the former.

So there you have it. Clearly the difference is in those adorable whiskers.

© The Green Guide, 2008

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