What happened after a family went organic for just two weeks

What happened after a family went organic for just two weeks

What would happen if you switched from conventionally grown foods to purely organic foods? A family of five found out after taking part in an experiment conducted by Swedish grocery chain Coop and the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (SERI). The results were dramatic and demonstrated the potential health effects of switching from conventional foods to eating only organic foods.

In the 21-day experiment, the Palmberg family ate a conventional diet for the first week and then switched to an all-organic diet, including soaps and personal care products, for two weeks. During the organic phase, the researchers took daily urine samples. The results showed that pesticide levels in the bodies of family members decreased in a manner that was observable after a single day. At the end of the two weeks, there was very little evidence of the pesticides and other compounds in their follow-up urine samples.

This video might convince you to go fully organic—for good

According to previous research, organic foods can pack more nutrients into the same product than conventionally grown foods. A Newcastle University study found that levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols can be 18 to 69 percent higher in organic products than in their non-organic counterparts. However, the main consideration when choosing organic food is not the increased nutritional value, but rather the reduction in pesticide contamination.

Current diets in many countries, particularly Western ones, are often high in processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats, while low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that only 11% of Americans meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and only 9% meet the recommended daily intake of vegetables. This lack of nutrient-dense foods in people's diets can contribute to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

By choosing organic foods, individuals may be able to improve their health outcomes by increasing their consumption of nutrient-dense foods and reducing their exposure to pesticides and other harmful substances. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops have up to 60% higher levels of important antioxidants than conventionally grown crops. In addition, they have lower levels of toxic metals such as cadmium and pesticide residues.

Although the experiment was commissioned by a for-profit food company and focuses on storytelling rather than rigorous science, it highlights the potential health benefits of reducing pesticide exposure. SERI researcher Jorgen Magner says: “We know very little about the long-term effects of consuming foods treated with pesticides.” A recent meta-analysis found that organic crops contain almost 50 percent less heavy metal cadmium than conventionally grown varieties. James DiNicolantonio, a cardiovascular researcher at St. Luke's Hospital, evaluated this data and predicted that this reduction in cadmium consumption could lead to a 20 percent reduction in mortality due to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

While the potential role of cadmium in the Palmberg family's experiment remains unclear, this research provides a clear example of how pesticides from food can prove harmful to human health. Choosing organic foods can lead to better health outcomes, not only due to increased nutritional value but also reduction in exposure to pesticides and other harmful substances. Emphasizing organic foods in one's diet can be an essential step in combating the current nutritional crisis and promoting overall health and well-being.

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