1) A large European and American study reviewed 350 areas and found that organic crops like cereals and legumes contain higher levels of antioxidants than conventional crops. Conventional crops were found to have higher pesticide residues and cadmium. 2) It is theorized that organic plants produce more antioxidants as a natural defense against pests. Antioxidants from diet similarly protect human cells from oxidative stress and are important for disease prevention. 3) While organic foods are found to have higher antioxidant levels, it is uncertain if they are more nutritious in other ways important for health or result in better health outcomes. One certainty is that organic produce is typically more expensive.