We should be able to get all the essential minerals needed to maintain optimum health from the food we eat. This is no longer the case.
Did you know that you would need to eat 4 carrots to get the same amount of Magnesium from 1 carrot in 1940?
The minerals we obtain from food are derived from the soil. There is research that suggests soil in the UK and abroad has become less nutritious since the introduction of intensive farming techniques that encourage the heavy use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.
When plants contain fewer nutrients, the animals that eat these plants are also malnourished. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health found copper levels in the UK have dropped 90% in dairy, 55% in meat, and 76% in vegetables (1). Copper is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate several pathways in the body, including energy production and brain function.
In addition, most fruit and vegetables that we consume are not fresh. They sit on trucks, ships, shelves, and counters for weeks before being eaten. Over time, the nutrient content of these plants decreases.
What are steps you can take to ensure you are getting enough nutrients?
1) Choose organic produce where possible
Organic produce The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – the World Health Organisation’s cancer agency – classified glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, and the world’s most widely used herbicide, as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (2)
2) Shop at local farmers markets
The produce at these markets tend to be much more fresh than produce transported from the other side of the world. Meeting food producers from your area is also a great opportunity to learn more about how your food was grown and ask any questions you might have.
3) Grow your own produce
The soil in your garden or allotment is likely to be richer than over-farmed agriculture land. You may not be able to grow enough produce to cover all your needs, but the foods you do grow will likely be incredibly nutritious and superior to supermarket food.
4) Supplement with a multi-mineral containing the essential macro and micronutrients
Nurse Fiona advises that a multi mineral is as important as a multi vitamin. A great brand that is non GMO and gluten free is Pure Encapsulations Mineral 650
References
- https://www.mineralresourcesint.co.uk/pdf/Mineral_Depletion_of_Foods_1940_2002.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5515989/