The ROOT of the Problem: Addressing the Decline in Food's Nutrient Density

The Vanishing Nutrients on Our Plates

Scientific studies reveal that fruits, vegetables, and grains no longer possess the same levels of vitamins and minerals as they did several decades ago. The nutritional decline has been significant. According to Dan Krettridge, the founder of the Bionutrient Food Association (BFA), you'd have to eat twice as much meat, three times as many fruits, and three to four times as many vegetables to get the same amount of minerals from these foods in the 1940s.

The implications of this nutritional dilution are far-reaching. Not only does it pose a challenge to maintaining a balanced diet, but it also has potential consequences for public health at large. The reduction in nutrient density can be attributed to various factors, including soil depletion, the selection of crop varieties for yield over nutritional value, and the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which disrupts soil biology and bypasses nature's method for plant nutrient assimilations..

Soil Health: The Foundation of Nutritional Wealth

The cornerstone of nutrient-dense food lies in the health of the soil. Healthy soil, brimming with organic matter and a diverse array of microorganisms, is the bedrock of healthy plants, animals, and humans. This living soil functions like a dynamic machine—it mines, unlocks, and recycles the wealth of minerals and nutrients contained within, making them accessible to plants. In turn, these nourished plants provide essential nutrients to those who consume them, completing a natural cycle of health and vitality. However, conventional farming practices have prioritized short-term productivity over long-term soil health, leading to widespread soil erosion and nutrient loss. The implications of this nutritional dilution are far-reaching. Leading to chronic disease, decreased immune function, cognitive decline, mental health issues, and a myriad of other problems.

Regenerative agriculture shines as a beacon of hope by adopting practices that enrich soil organic matter, boost biodiversity, and restore ecological balance. This approach not only combats soil degradation but also enhances the nutrient density of our food. Techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and the use of organic amendments are key to revitalizing soil health. By restoring the natural mechanisms for nutrient assimilation in plants, regenerative agriculture significantly improves the nutritional quality of crops, offering a sustainable solution for future generations.

The path to restoring the nutrient density of our food is multifaceted. It requires a collective shift towards sustainable agricultural practices that respect and enhance soil health. Consumers, producers, and policymakers alike must recognize the intrinsic link between soil health and public health. Supporting local and organic food systems, advocating for agricultural policy reforms, and educating communities about the importance of soil and plant health are critical steps in this journey.

Moreover, gardeners and small-scale farmers play a pivotal role in this movement. By adopting regenerative practices in their own backyards and fields, they become custodians of the soil, nurturing the ground that feeds us. Back to Earth Works is committed to empowering these individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to make a tangible impact on soil health and food quality.

The decline in food's nutrient density is a wake-up call, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with the land that sustains us. By championing soil health through regenerative practices, we can slowly but surely reverse this trend. The journey towards a future where our food is as nutritious as it is plentiful is long and requires the collective effort of all stakeholders in the food system. Together, let's commit to nourishing the soil, so it can continue to nourish us, ensuring a legacy of health and vitality for generations to come.

In embracing this holistic approach, we not only contribute to the environmental sustainability of our planet but also enhance our well-being and that of future generations. The time to act is now; the soil beneath our feet holds the key to revitalizing the nutrient density of our food and, by extension, the health of our global community.

As always, we're committed to building and educating our community. If you have additional insights or information about this topic, please share them in the comments below!

Work Citied:

Chronic Diseases: Micha, R., Peñalvo, J. L., Cudhea, F., Imamura, F., Rehm, C. D., & Mozaffarian, D. (2017). Association Between Dietary Factors and Mortality from Heart Disease, Stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes in the United States. JAMA, 317(9), 912–924.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.0947 Decreased Immune Function: Maggini, S., Pierre, A., & Calder, P. C. (2018). Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients, 10(10), 1531. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101531 Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Issues: Oulhaj, A., Jernerén, F., Refsum, H., Smith, A. D., & de Jager, C. A. (2016). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status Enhances the Prevention of Cognitive Decline by B Vitamins in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 50(2), 547–557.

https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-150777 Compromised Growth and Development: Black, R. E. (2012). Micronutrient Deficiency — An Underestimated Global Health Issue. The New England Journal of Medicine, 367(21), 1973–1974. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1210388 Reproductive Issues: Cetin, I., Berti, C., & Calabrese, S. (2010). Role of Micronutrients in the Periconceptional Period. Human Reproduction Update, 16(1), 80–95.

https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmp025 Increased Risk of Infections: Gombart, A. F., Pierre, A., & Maggini, S. (2020). A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients, 12(1), 236.

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236 Skin, Hair, and Nail Problems: Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6