CHANGES IN FARMING PRACTICES
In the last 50+ years more intensive farming practices have been adopted to increase yields, turnover and profit as pressure from the large supermarket chains have continually driven down farmers marginsThis has left our soil heavily depleted and foods once famed for their wide array of nutrition and phytonutrients are almost unrecognisable compared to what they used to be.
FOODS PICKED BEFORE THEY ARE RIPE
Due to commercial pressures to extend the lifespan of foods in the shops, many foods are now picked before they are ripe. Unripe crops do not have the same nutritional profile as ripe crops. During the ripening process, when the crop is still attached to the plant or the tree, a huge variety of different nutrients develop which are not seen when foods ripen at home after they have been picked.
HYDROPONICS
Many foods can be grown hydroponically without any soil in water or liquid with basic levels of nutrients. While these foods may look great, they will not give you the large array of nutrients that your body needs. In just one teaspoon of soil, there are more microscopic life forms than humans on the entire planet. The microbiota in the soil, changes the state of the minerals to allow the plants to use them, an important ecological fact that somehow has been totally overlooked in hydroponic foods.
COLD FOOD STORAGE
Regardless of whether foods have been grown in the soil or hydroponically and regardless of whether they have been picked ripe or unripe as described above, most foods go into cold storage before they even reach the supermarket shelves. Companies buy from different countries en masse when they are in season. They then go into cold storage and sold throughout the year to supermarkets where a great deal of their nutrients are lost. Organic foods are more nutritionally rich, but even organic food can be stored and nutrients lost.
PESTICIDES & HERBICIDES
Over the decades, we have seen an increase in the use of pesticides and herbicides on crops which not only reduce the levels of nutrients in crops, but also have a number of associated health risks and affect our healthy gut bacteria which can lead to allergies, autoimmune issues, mental health issues, skin problems and many more.
DRUGS THAT DEPLETE NUTRIENTS
Oral Contraceptives deplete B Vitamins, including Folic Acid, also, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc & CoQ10. Antacids deplete B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin D and reduce mineral absorption. Aspirin depletes Folic Acid and Thiamine (B1). Antibiotics disrupt gut health.
OUR FAVOURITE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
POWDERED SUPERFOODS (e.g. Naturya Blend Organic Greens)
These are generally high in phytonutrients and usually include green vegetables, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, chlorella, plant fibre, spirulina, barley greens, wheatgrass, green tea extract, and other concentrated green superfoods like ginkgo, bilberry, liquorice root, milk thistle, and dunaliella. The green pigment /phytochemical’s and chlorophyll give super greens their antioxidant powers. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals that get in the way of normal cell functioning and growth and can lead to cancer, heart disease and even premature ageing.
Eating fresh, organic greens is not always easy, especially for those on the go, but they are completely critical to our health. Super greens usually come in powder form so you can just scoop and mix with water or put it in your green smoothie in the morning to give it a boost. The chlorophyll in these powders helps keep a healthy alkaline PH in your body. If your body gets too acidic, it’s easier for inflammatory diseases to develop such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and respiratory problems.
SPIRULINA TABLETS (e.g. Synergy Natura organic Spirulina tablets)
Just one 3-gram serving, for instance, contains: 60 percent protein and an excellent source of vitamins A, K1, K2, B12 and iron, manganese and chromium. A rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD and phycocyanin. 2800 percent more beta-carotene than carrots.
MATCHA TEA (e.g Spiller and Tait Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea)
One serving of matcha tea is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea and you will also benefit from a natural caffeine boost and extra energy. Amongst its many health benefits, matcha…
- Is packed with antioxidants
- Boosts metabolism and burns calories
- Detoxifies effectively and naturally
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body
- Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
- Enhances mood and aids in concentration
- Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
- Prevents disease
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
MACA (eg Natura Organic Maca Powder)
Maca is a small Peruvian root vegetable incredibly high in vitamin B2 & iron and rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc & fibre. A source of protein & vitamins B1 & B6 Maca can help regulate stress hormones and is often recommended to those with adrenal fatigue.