Fruits and Veggies Aren't Enough Anymore

Many think that if they dutifully eat their "five a day," that they will be pumped with enough healthful vitamins to carry them to longevity. Then again, since only 27% of Americans actually eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, maybe the myth that nature's bounty will meet our nutritional needs isn't convincing enough. While a well-balanced diet is essential, it just isn't enough anymore. For one thing, some studies, like the one printed in the Journal of Contemporary Medicine in 2001, report that fruits and vegetables have lost 76% of their trace nutritional value. For example, the US Department of Agriculture has found that common crops, such as cabbage and tomatoes, have suffered mineral-content drops of 350 mg. Why isn't a tomato the same today as it was 30 years ago? In the mid-twentieth century, in the wake of devastating world wars, the world turned its attention to using science as a means to ease humanity's suffering rather than perpetuate it. One focus of attention was world hunger. From pesticide development to hybrid crops, the aim was to increase crop production. From 1960 to today, rice production has tripled, giving poor countries a viable means to feed their populations. It turns out that the efforts to erase starvation have actually depleted our bodies of nutrition. Some researchers have hypothesized that resulting depletion, especially of selenium, has actually caused the prevalence of AIDS and other viral diseases. The increased prevalence of diseases, like viruses and mental illness, have prompted the scientific community to rethink optimal nutrition. Since the development of RDA values, malnutrition in the United States has been eliminated thanks to additives in items like bread and cereal. However, there is a far difference between malnutrition and optimal nutrition. With the so much junk food in our diets, many Americans aren't nourished for optimal health. Eating well is important. Not only do good foods provide nutrients, but they also help you steer clear of junk food. However, so that your body and mind can enjoy the benefits of optimal health, include vitamin supplements to your plan for well-being.