Natural Grocers® Supplement Guide

The Un-Juicy Truth About Fruits & Veggies PEELING BACK THE LAYERS: Imagine the delight of biting into a perfectly ripe peach or the feel-good vibes that

radiate from a brightly colored salad bowl. These foods that Mother Nature provides not only tantalize our senses but are our go-to sources for the essential nutrients we need to feel vibrantly healthy. But let’s sprinkle a pinch of modern reality onto that salad bowl and dig into the roots of a growing concern. A mounting body of scientific research reveals a bitter truth: Our beloved fruits and veggies have been losing their nutritional prowess over the last 70 years. But why?

The Slow Decline The evidence points to a decline in a number of essential nutrients in fruits, veggies, and grains, compared to their counterparts a few decades ago. These include vitamin C, calcium, iron, riboflavin, and protein, and historical data suggests that median declines in minerals, vitamins, and protein range from five to 40 percent or more, especially in vegetables. The culprits? Intensive farming practices, soil depletion, and even the varieties we choose to cultivate, prioritizing yield, size, and sweetness over nutritional density. So, where does that leave our smoothie bowls and rainbow salads in the nutrient-density spectrum? A tad paler, it seems.

4

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com