Is our food the same as our grandparents?
In a nut shell, No! Many studies have found a decline in nutrients in foods today that were significantly higher decades ago. Modern agricultural methods today have stripped increasing amounts of nutrients from the soil in which the food we eat grows. Sadly, each successive generation of fast-growing, pest-resistant vegetables is truly less good for you than the one before. The Organic Consumers Association conducted a study between 1975 to 1997 of 12 fresh vegetables and found that the decline in vitamins and miners were as follows; calcium dropped 27 %, vitamin C 30% , iron 37%, and Vitamin A 21%. There was another study that found a person would have to consume eight oranges today to get the same amount of Vitamin A as our grandparents would have gotten from one!
Are we deficient in vitamins and minerals?
Basically yes! From the agricultural practices of today, from mentioned above, the U.S. population is deficient in at least 5-7 nutrients that are important to our bodies. If the agricultural department continues with these practices our children’s children will be more deficient in more vitamins and minerals than ever before. This will come at a price of an unhealthy, sickly, and governmental, pill dependent society.
One of the most essential minerals that we as a society are deficient in is Iron. This is one of the most common as well, but it’s more prevalent in preschool children with about 47% deficient, as opposed to about 25% of the general population being deficient. Iron is needed to bind with hemoglobin and transports oxygen to your cells. The main foods that are rich in iron is red meat, organ meat, shell fish, beans, and seeds.
Another essential mineral the general population is deficient in is Iodine. Iodine is one of those minerals that you don’t hear too much about. Iodine is used for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for growth, brain development, and bone health, so you can see why this mineral is so important. Some good sources of iodine are eggs, fish, dairy, and seaweed just to name a few.
The next one is Vitamin D. Everyone is aware of vitamin D deficiency and where to get it, but what is interesting about vitamin D is it’s produced from a cholesterol in your skin that travels through your bloodstream and into your cells. This vitamin tells your genes to turn on or off. Almost every cell in your body has a vitamin D receptor. That is why this is so important to take. If you are deficient in this little vitamin you may experience some of these symptoms, a decrease in immune function, muscle weakness, bone loss, and it puts you at a higher risk of getting cancer. The best sources for getting enough vitamin D is through cod liver oil, fish, and egg yolks.
The next essential vitamin is the good ole Vitamin B12. This little vitamin is responsible for brain and nerve function. Most people are unaware that every cell in your body needs vitamin B12 to function. However, your body can’t produce it so that means you have to eat some food with vitamin B12 or take a supplement. Some great sources of vitamin B12 are shell fish, organ meat, eggs, and milk products. One little note is that studies have shown that up to 80-90% of vegetarians are deficient in vitamin B12. So if you are allergic to shell fish, eggs, and a vegetarian who is lactose intolerant than you are pretty much in trouble.
The last essential mineral I will discuss now is calcium. Calcium is essential for every cell in your body, but even besides that, your heart, muscles, and nerves would not be able to function without it! On an interesting side note some people are unaware that this little mineral is stored in the bones so if you’re deficient your bones will release it into your body and that is why people end up with osteoporosis (softer and more fragile bones). This is why the elderly fall and break their hips or other bones so easily. So you can either not get old or take in more calcium such as through dairy products, fish with bones, or dark green vegetables.
I hope this helps everyone pay closer attention to the vitamins and minerals they take in and supplement when possible and when required. I will try to do a review of some of the supplements that I currently take and why. Also, I would like to do a possible video of some product reviews of some things I take or have taken and maybe some of the kitchen appliances I use or maybe some of the food I buy and why. I have posted a recipe or two but I will post a whole lot more in the near future. I am posting a nutrition blog every Wednesday and I am trying to post a recipe every Tuesday or Thursday. I hope this helps with obtaining your goals. If anyone needs help with anything exercise or nutrition related please don’t hesitate to ask. I am here for you to grow, reach your goals, and increase your knowledge of fitness and nutrition related information to succeed.
Now go out and live your best life! Thanks for reading!
Darren
Harmony Shift 