This is a great question to those interested in the quality of food we eat. Do we get enough nutrition or do we need to supplement our meals with vitamins and minerals? In most cases, the answer is no there is not enough nutrition in our food and yes you do need to supplement. There has been a decline in the in the nutritional content of our fruits and vegetables over time. There have been studies done comparing 13 nutrients in 43 different plants. Seven of these nutrients-protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid showed statistically reliable declines. The largest drop was seen in riboflavin by 38%, which is a nutrient that is critical to the body’s utilization of other nutrients. Other studies have shown a decline in mineral content over the years. There is also the loss of phytonutrients, which are compounds that can help fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

Daily vitamins can be a part of a daily routine that can help combat this nutrient loss, but we can also focus on growing more nutritious fruits and vegetables. The depletion of these nutrients is due to years of heavy chemical fertilization on farms. As commercial growers and seed companies have developed and planted varieties for larger yields and easier care, the nutrients have been lost.

Growing the most healthy and nutritious food is a great motivator to start your own home garden - nutrition levels would not be sacrificed for profits. Make sure you have healthy soil, that helps boost nutrient levels as well as yield more food!