Is Nutrient Depletion in Soil Causing Poor Health in Americans Today?

It is little known in this country what a serious problem nutrient depletion in our soil has become. With the use of heavy fertilizers, farmers are able to produce what appear to be healthy, nutritious crops. The problem is that the plants are highly deficient in key nutrients.

After years of over farming and heavy fertilizer use the soil loses all of its good, wholesome virtues. Vitally important soil microbes that break down minerals into a form useable by the body are lost. Vitamin and mineral levels are drastically reduced, and the soil is basically burned out.

Unfortunately, even when the soil is burnt out, farmers can still grow good-looking fruits and vegetables by using high doses of fertilizer. The fruit and vegetables will have good caloric content but very little in the form of real nutrition.

Most produce sold now falls under this category. We think, as we are purchasing a head of broccoli or a bag of apples that we are doing our bodies a big, nutritious favor. In reality we are receiving half the nutrition we think, if not empty calories.

The Earth Summit Statistics meeting in 1992 revealed that farmland in the U.S. is over 85% micronutrient depleted. Many people think that buying organic vegetables will remedy this problem. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Just because a product says organic does not mean it was grown in nutrient rich soil. It simply means that many of the harsh chemical fertilizers were not employed. Of course, this is a step in the right direction, but it still doesn't answer the problem of nutrient deficiency.

Short of growing your own vegetables in soil you know is rich in nutrients, there is little you can do about this problem. Thankfully, your body can still receive all necessary nutrients by taking high quality nutritional supplements. You can still live a vibrantly healthy life if you are aware of the problems nutrient deficiency causes, and take action to protect yourself.