Organic not healthier than conventional food, study says

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A new study suggests organic food might not be healthier for you after all.

The results of the Stanford University study showed that organic produce does not contain any more vitamins or minerals than regular produce.

It did, however, find that organic produce had a 30-percent lower risk for being contaminated with pesticides.

"We always knew that organic food wasn't more nutritious.  Finding that it's not that much different in terms of the pesticides and antibiotics, that I question because what are the safety levels that they're allowing right now.  What do they say is a safe limit, " said Paula Serafino-Cross, a registered dietitian at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Researchers also found that non-organic meats, like pork or chicken, had a greater risk of containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and that organic milk or chicken had higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which have shown to improve heart health.

Serafino-Cross recommends people still consider the organic options. 

She says to buy local and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to cut down on exposure to pesticides.