A very concerning report was recently published by Deep Science Ventures emphasizing that many foods, including bread, wheat, cereals, apples, carrots, and peas, have lost 20% to 50% of their key vitamins and essential minerals compared to the 1960s! Specifically, the report highlights that many crops have lost key nutrients, including iron, selenium, zinc, and potassium. The researchers attribute this loss of nutritional value in foods mostly to declining soil quality over time. Additionally, farming to maximize weight/volume, as well as breeding crops for higher yields, has likely also diluted the concentration of essential micronutrients.
Deficiencies of these key nutrients can lead to conditions like anemia, as well as a weakened immune system.
So what’s the solution? For many consumers, the only solution may be to increase the consumption of the depleted fresh veggies and fruits in order to obtain the necessary nutrients. This level of reported depletion would also lend support to the idea of taking a multi-vitamin/mineral to supplement the diet, though leading healthcare organizations do not advocate for this approach at the current time (see recent recommendations from US Preventive Services Task Force, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the medical literature).
Perhaps the best solution is to encourage our farmers to engage in regenerative farming, which is a holistic, outcome-based approach to agriculture that focuses on restoring and actively improving the health of the soil and entire farm ecosystem rather than just maintaining it. Components of regenerative farming include:
Reducing synthetic inputs: Cutting down or eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Integrating livestock: Using managed, rotational grazing of animals to mimic natural patterns, cycle nutrients, and fertilize the land.
Maintaining living roots: Keep active roots in the ground year-round to feed beneficial soil microorganisms.
For those of you engaging in home organic composting and gardening using the above techniques— congratulations! Looking to a future with more nutritious plants growing in healthier soil! A dream worth pursuing.
