An interesting question that people commonly ask about food and nutrition: Is there that much difference between foods grown 30 years ago and foods grown today?
The answer is YES.
Decades ago, conventionally grown fruits and vegetables were much richer in vitamins and minerals than the varieties most of us are consuming in the 21stCentury. The root of the problem is soil depletion, a result of the invasive agricultural processes used on conventional farms. Over the past half century, there are reliable declines in the amount of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, and the B vitamins found in produce. But that’s not all that is being depleted in fruit and vegetable crops.
What else is being depleted? Phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients are special plant chemicals that give fruits and veggies their color and are essential to keeping a plant healthy. They protect the plant from invasive pests, exposure to UV radiation, and support growth and maintenance from roots to leaves. Not only are phytonutrients important for plants, they are extremely beneficial to human health.
Phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain healthy cells in the body. They enhance immunity and intercellular communication, repair cellular damage, help build bones, and support the body’s innate detoxification processes. Additionally, phytonutrients play a role in the health of the major physiological systems. Consuming a diet rich in phytonutrients is regarded by researchers and health practitioners as an effective strategy for reducing risk for cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Different types of fruits and vegetables can contain a variety of the more than 900 known phytonutrients. These include flavonoids, carotenoids, lignans, phytosterols, resveratrol, isoflavones, to name a few. Cooking time affects phytonutrient content. Where possible, eat raw produce or use minimal cooking times such as sautéing or steaming, or add veggies and fruits in the final few minutes of other cooking methods.
The bottom line given that phytonutrients are so important for health and that the levels are dropping in foods: eat more veggies and fruits! Be sure and work with your doctor or myself ( Dr. Wendy Wells ) to create an individual plan for you and your family that takes into account nutritional needs, food intolerances and your health plan.
Resources
Davis, D. R. et al., “Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950 to 1999.” (2004) Jl American College of Nutrition, 23(6) 669–682. Accessed 13 Feb 2020: http://saveoursoils.com/userfiles/downloads/1351255687-Changes%20in%20USDA%20food%20composition%20data%20for%2043%20garden%20crops,%201950-1999.pdf
Scheer, R. & Moss, D. “EarthTalk: Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?” Scientific American Online, (posted 27 April 2011). Accessed 13 Feb 2020″ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/
UCDavis.edu “Nutrition and Health Info Fact Sheet: Phytonutrients” Accessed 13 Feb 2020: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8313.pdf
Cao, J. “Phytonutrients are good for bone health.” USDA Agricultural Research Service. Accessed 12 Feb 2020: https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2011/phytonutrients-are-good-for-bone-health
Linus Pauling Micronutrient Information Center. “Phytochemicals.” Accessed 13 Feb 2020: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals
Thomasset, S. C. , Berry, D.P. et al. “Dietary polyphenolic phytochemicals-promising cancer chemopreventive agents in humans? A review of their clinical properties.”(2007 Feb 1) Intl. J Cancer (120)3. Accessed 13 Feb 2020: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.22419
Higdon, J. Blake, V.J. Evidence-Based Approach to Phytochemicals and Other Dietary Factors 2nd Ed. (2013) https://www.worldcat.org/title/evidence-based-approach-to-phytochemicals-and-other-dietary-factors/oclc/827467953
Image link:
https://www.medicinetalkpro.org/pt_newsletter_images/apr2020/Apr20_VS_img.jpg
-
Intravenous Therapy For Nutrition and Hydration
Most of us have heard before that you are what you eat. In some cases, people aren’t able to eat foods in adequate amounts or even at all due to injury or disease. For instance, damage caused to the intestinal tract via Celiac’s, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can severely impair the gut’s ability to absorb……
-
Which Natural Sweetener is Best?
Consuming this artificial sweetener on a daily basis has shown to increase your risk of metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) by 35%, and increase your risk for diabetes type 2 by 65%. Read to find out more…… Read More Which Natural Sweetener is Best?
-
Natural Medicine and Autoimmune – 5 Underlying Causes
Over 80 different diseases occur that involve the disruption of the normal functioning immune system. The cases worldwide are on the rise. It is time everyone focuses on eradicating the underlying causes and not just treatments that work only some of the time and for only some individuals.… Read More Natural Medicine and Autoimmune –…
-
Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence, By Understanding Your Own
Self awareness is a benchmark of emotional intelligence, so the more aware one is, the more empathy, self acceptance one can have and both positively enhance our relationships.. The results can be astounding and life changing – in a good way!… Read More Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence, By Understanding Your Own
-
The 7 Benefits of the Ice Bath
History of cold water therapy The use of cold water for healing was first reported in 3500 BCE in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Ancient Greeks used it for relaxation and socializing. Hippocrates used water for healing, he said water will cure anything. Sebastian Kneipp used cold water immersion for healing. In 1849, he had tuberculosis……
-
Brain Fog and the Top Ten Causes
What is brain fog? Brain fog is classified as a lack of cognitive functioning or disorientation. It can be slight, but significant. Many speak of it literally as if a cloud has descended over their brain. Others describe it as they sometimes can’t remember names, or facts like they used to. It usually begins after……
-
Intermittent Fasting, How to Make It Work For You
There has not been a more helpful tool for health and wellbeing than intermittent fasting while eating a clean healthy whole foods diet. It has been successful to reverse pre-diabetes, lose weight, reduce aches and inflammation in the body, increase energy and to get control of cravings, that endless need to snack. Also the discipline……
-
Love Your Brain
Over the past decade there has been a surge of interest in brain health, most likely from the surge of brain related conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and autism. Many more patients are aware of their cognitive health and wanting to optimize their brain function, mostly in regards to memory and focus,……
-
How do you know your child is getting the right nutrients?
The body operates from many mechanisms, most of which require energy and most of this energy comes through having the nutrients on board that the body needs to make energy. Not only energy but the body needs nutrients for the production and growth of healthy tissue, for the nervous system, the gut, and the immune……
-
How do I support my immune system?
The immune system for most of us works well when we support with what it needs and eliminate the things that hinder it’s function. There are several types of immune cells, some that fight viruses, some that fight bacteria and some that clean up the body of old dead cells. Each immune cell is filled……
-
Skip Gatorade, Make Your Own Electrolyte Drink
Why use a commercial electrolyte replacement beverage when you can make your own and know that it will have far greater benefits and less sugar and chemical additives than anything sold in stores? Gatorade has been outlawed in the European Union due to it containing dyes and brominated vegetable oil which are toxic to the……
-
Intravenous Therapy For Nutrition and Hydration
Most of us have heard before that you are what you eat. In some cases, people aren’t able to eat foods in adequate amounts or even at all due to injury or disease. For instance, damage caused to the intestinal tract via Celiac’s, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can severely impair the gut’s ability to absorb……
-
Which Natural Sweetener is Best?
Consuming this artificial sweetener on a daily basis has shown to increase your risk of metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) by 35%, and increase your risk for diabetes type 2 by 65%. Read to find out more…… Read More Which Natural Sweetener is Best?
-
Natural Medicine and Autoimmune – 5 Underlying Causes
Over 80 different diseases occur that involve the disruption of the normal functioning immune system. The cases worldwide are on the rise. It is time everyone focuses on eradicating the underlying causes and not just treatments that work only some of the time and for only some individuals.… Read More Natural Medicine and Autoimmune –…
-
Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence, By Understanding Your Own
Self awareness is a benchmark of emotional intelligence, so the more aware one is, the more empathy, self acceptance one can have and both positively enhance our relationships.. The results can be astounding and life changing – in a good way!… Read More Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence, By Understanding Your Own
-
The 7 Benefits of the Ice Bath
History of cold water therapy The use of cold water for healing was first reported in 3500 BCE in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Ancient Greeks used it for relaxation and socializing. Hippocrates used water for healing, he said water will cure anything. Sebastian Kneipp used cold water immersion for healing. In 1849, he had tuberculosis……
-
Brain Fog and the Top Ten Causes
What is brain fog? Brain fog is classified as a lack of cognitive functioning or disorientation. It can be slight, but significant. Many speak of it literally as if a cloud has descended over their brain. Others describe it as they sometimes can’t remember names, or facts like they used to. It usually begins after……
-
Intermittent Fasting, How to Make It Work For You
There has not been a more helpful tool for health and wellbeing than intermittent fasting while eating a clean healthy whole foods diet. It has been successful to reverse pre-diabetes, lose weight, reduce aches and inflammation in the body, increase energy and to get control of cravings, that endless need to snack. Also the discipline……
-
Love Your Brain
Over the past decade there has been a surge of interest in brain health, most likely from the surge of brain related conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and autism. Many more patients are aware of their cognitive health and wanting to optimize their brain function, mostly in regards to memory and focus,……
-
How do you know your child is getting the right nutrients?
The body operates from many mechanisms, most of which require energy and most of this energy comes through having the nutrients on board that the body needs to make energy. Not only energy but the body needs nutrients for the production and growth of healthy tissue, for the nervous system, the gut, and the immune……
-
How do I support my immune system?
The immune system for most of us works well when we support with what it needs and eliminate the things that hinder it’s function. There are several types of immune cells, some that fight viruses, some that fight bacteria and some that clean up the body of old dead cells. Each immune cell is filled……
-
Skip Gatorade, Make Your Own Electrolyte Drink
Why use a commercial electrolyte replacement beverage when you can make your own and know that it will have far greater benefits and less sugar and chemical additives than anything sold in stores? Gatorade has been outlawed in the European Union due to it containing dyes and brominated vegetable oil which are toxic to the……