As kids, we are all taught to eat fruits and vegetables because they suit our health. But have you ever wondered why we need to eat them? The simple answer is that they contain essential nutrients our body needs to function correctly.
However, modern food production techniques have led to a significant decrease in the nutrient content of our fruits and vegetables. In this blog post, we will discuss why our food has become nutrient deficient and how we can ensure we get the necessary nutrients. Intensive farming practices: Today’s agriculture has shifted from the traditional farming techniques of the past to industrialized farming practices that aim to maximize yields and profits with little regard for nutrient quality. This has resulted in soil depletion and reduced nutrients in crops grown in this soil. The same nutrients are depleted yearly since the ground is continually being used. Additionally, chemically-laden fertilizers are used to make up for the deficiencies in the background. Overcooking: Overcooking is another reason why our food is nutrient deficient. Many essential vitamins and minerals are heat sensitive and can be destroyed by high temperatures. Boiling, frying, and microwaving are popular cooking methods, but they can strip away the essential nutrients from our food. Eating raw or lightly cooked vegetables can help to retain vital nutrients and their health benefits. Long-distance transportation: Our food is grown locally and shipped worldwide. This means that fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they are fully ripe to ensure they survive the long journey, resulting in nutrient loss. The longer the time passes between the harvest and consumption, and the more nutrients are lost. Genetic modification: With advances in technology and genetic modification, manufacturers focus on producing crops grown faster and resistant to diseases and pests. The industry prioritizes satisfying consumer demand over the nutritional value of the crops. As a result, most crops being produced today lack vital nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
Processed foods: Processed foods have become a staple in most people’s diets. These convenient and ready-to-eat foods are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats but are low in nutrients. Avoid processed foods, including bread, cookies, chips, and cereals.
It is essential to note that our diet is critical to our overall health, and our body requires vital nutrients to function correctly. While many factors contribute to nutrient depletion in our food, we have control over our diet choices to ensure we remain healthy.
The good news is that there are ways to counteract these nutrient deficiencies by choosing whole foods, eating various fruits and vegetables, and high-quality micronutrient supplementation such as EMPower Plus.
We can also look for local, seasonal produce that has yet to travel long distances or choose to grow our vegetables. By making conscious decisions, we can ensure that we receive the necessary nutrients to maintain and improve our health.
All the best,
Simon Brazier. Dip HN, NNCP
simon@truehope.com
