Are Fruits And Vegetables Not So Healthy Anymore?
By Better Health Research Team • Aug 9th, 2010 • Category: Health E-Hint
Nutrient levels contained in our fruits and vegetables continue to decline, according to results published in Prevention magazine. More than 10 years ago English researchers evaluated nutrient concentrations and found dwindling mineral counts in 20 crops spanning from 1930 to the 1980s.
Researchers from the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas found similar results in produce grown in the United States. Around 43 various fruits and vegetables were analyzed from 1950 to 1999 with reduced levels of vitamins, minerals and protein. For example, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, broccoli contained 130 milligrams (mg) of calcium in 1950. Today the results indicate only 48 mg of calcium.
Why? Because the farming industry is attempting to grow bigger, better produce at faster speeds. This results in cross-breeding and synthetic fertilizer use, which decreases the produce’s ability to absorb key vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the soil, scientists said.
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