When we think about what makes a “healthy diet”, we often think of vegetables. And we’re right to do so- vegetables are one of the most important aspects of a healthy diet. They provide much of the vitamin and mineral content we need, plus fiber, antioxidants, nutrients, and water.
What many of us don’t realize is that, depending on where we get them, the vegetables we eat today are not as healthy as they were a mere fifty years ago, nor do they taste as good. This is due in part to the long distances vegetables travel to get to us, but it is also largely due to soil depletion.
Modern agricultural practices leave our soils exhausted and empty of vital minerals and nutrients. Therefore, the plants that grow in them are weak, mineral deficient, and flavorless. Some agricultural efforts to grow larger vegetables at a faster rate also contribute to the increased demands on our soils, and the soil can’t replenish its minerals before the next planting. Most commercially grown vegetables are mineral deficient from having been grown in exhausted soil.
Even organically grown vegetables can be mineral deficient if they’re grown in depleted soil. Fortunately, we in the DC area have lots to choose from when it comes to local produce. Look for locally grown vegetables from small farms with ethical farming practices. Try your hand at growing your own vegetables, or take out a plot in a community garden. Many a vegetable-phobe has been converted by tasting vegetables they grew themselves- they are actually delicious!
Health Effects of Soil Depletion
As the big, mono-culture farms show little sign of slowing down, our vegetables are becoming more and more mineral deficient. Many of us don’t’ consume enough vegetables as it is, but when we depend on commercially grown produce, we face the increasing problem of mineral deficiency. Mineral deficiencies can increase depression, muscle weakness, irritability, mental fogginess, and many more harmful and unpleasant conditions. A magnesium deficiency alone can lead to depression, fatigue, muscle pain, and dizziness. A calcium deficiency can lead to arthritis, tooth decay and even high blood pressure. Fortunately, we can start choosing healthier sources for our vegetables, but there are ways to improve our mineral intake with the help of multivitamins and liquid mineral supplements.
- Magnesium affects bone resiliency, protein development, muscle control, reflexes, and immunity to disease. It is also quite useful in keeping a healthy mind.
- While calcium is well-known for its ability to develop bones and teeth, it is also pertinent to the clotting of blood.
- Zinc affects DNA and protein development, carries vitamin A through the body, affects your sense of taste, ability to heal from injuries, properly digest food and sexual function.
- Iron assists in the oxygenation of the body.
- Manganese is a little-understood mineral that influences cellular response and has a role in many day-to-day functions of your body.
- Potassium affects your body’s ability to equalize fluids and electrolytes, as well as influence reflexes and cellular health.
Liquid Mineral Supplements
Liquid minerals can be used daily to restore the mineral levels in your body. Liquid minerals are easily absorbed and can counter the negative effects of soil depletion. Most people who use a mineral supplement will experience an increase in metabolic efficiency, which is necessary for the body to function.
The effects of taking a multivitamin and a liquid mineral supplement can be empowering. Many people experience a boost in energy and stamina, less food cravings, and increased mental function.
Learning to shop wisely for our produce is a necessary step against soil-depleting farming practices, but we do ourselves a favor by covering our bases and taking a mineral supplement as well.
