Nutrients are not what they used to be

• Have you ever wondered why you don't feel your absolute best, even though you're keeping track of a healthy diet? It could be down to the soil your fruits and vegetables grow from.
• Studies have shown that in the last 40 years mass industrialisation of agriculture has vastly diminished nutrient content of our soils, resulting in a poorer quality of food.
• Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies could be result of our poor soil quality.

Let's be honest... In an ideal world, we wouldn't need to take supplements. A healthy and balanced diet would be enough to cover our nutritional needs and keep us healthy and vital. Unfortunately though, the 21st century diet landscape is looking a whole lot different to last century's.

Even the purest- you know, that person that ticks all the boxes when it comes to healthy eating- could have nutritional deficiencies. It's not that they're doing anything wrong. In fact, they're probably doing everything right. Eating half a plate of vegetables with every meal, has the daily recommended fruits, legumes, and protein, and even drinks at least 2 litres of water a day. And despite having a balanced and nutritious diet, they might still be feeling tired, bloated, or struggling with sleeping issues and wondering why on earth this could be?

Well the truth is, that today's nutrients are not what they used to be. The foods that we eat are no longer as nutritious as they were 30 years ago. What does this come down to? The soil our fruits and vegetables are grown on have suffered severe depletion in the last few decades as a result of modern agriculture methods. The mass industrialization of agriculture, and intensive use of fertilizers and chemicals have destroyed the soil, and as a result, the vitamins and minerals in it are depleted, lowering the nutrient content in the fruit and vegetables that grow on it.

In the last 40 years there have been countless studies conducted to test the nutrient content in fruits and vegetables of today, and the results are quite astonishing. One study conducted by the Kushi Institute, analyzed nutrient data from 1975 to 1997 and found that the average calcium levels in 12 fresh vegetables dropped 27%; iron levels 37%; vitamin A levels 21%t, and vitamin C levels 30%.

Another study conducted by the British Food Journal from 1930 to 1980, found that in 20 vegetables the average calcium content had declined 19%; iron 22%; and potassium 14%. Yet another study concluded that one would have to eat eight oranges today to derive the same amount of Vitamin A as our grandparents would have gotten from one. Pretty shocking right?

This unfortunately means, that unless we stick to a purely organic diet where are fruits and vegetables come from organic farms that respect the soil, our nutritional needs might not be met. As a result, we could suffer from common symptoms like lethargy, lack of vitality, poor digestion, bloating, sleeping issues, weak immunity, mood swings, amongst many other ailments. These symptoms are easy to ignore, and the probabilities that you suffer from them but don't address them, are high.

But these symptoms can be the result of subtle (or not so subtle) nutritional deficiencies.

Whether it's a magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron or omega 3 deficiency, or all of the above, all of these essential nutrients are key for your health and wellbeing. Living with them could reduce your quality of life and interfere with your productivity and performance. And who wants that, right?

If you opt to supplement your diet, read labels. #Food first philosophy.