While there is no argument that the best source of nutrition stems from a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, the sad fact is, the produce grown today simply does not contain the same levels of vitamins and minerals that could be found in the fruits and vegetables available several decades ago.
One of the primary reasons for this disturbing trend links back to what is commonly referred to as “soil depletion” - a condition in which the soil’s fertility is not properly maintained, caused by modern agricultural methods that strip nutrients from the soil.
A groundbreaking study by Donald Davis and a team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin recently looked into this link and found that, after analyzing data from the years 1950 and 1999, related to 43 varieties of fruits and vegetables, that there were, indeed, “reliable declines” in the levels of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin C over the years.
The study also concluded that other nutrients, such as magnesium, zinc and vitamins B-6 and E, have likely been impacted as well.
This is just one of many studies that have come to the same conclusion: in an effort to create considerably larger, faster growing and more pest-resistant crops, the nutritional content of our food has been significantly depleted in the process.
Nutrient decline stems, in part, from the fact that high-yield crops devote energy to producing large fruit, grains or seeds, and put less emphasis on absorbing micronutrients. Faster growing plants that produce larger fruits and vegetables tend to dilute nutrient concentrations, a phenomenon labeled the “dilution effect…” – The Organic Center Critical Issue Report, Still No Free LunchWhile several decades ago it was safe to assume that a healthy diet could have provided a sufficient amount of nourishment on its own, conventional farming techniques, combined with the fact much of our food supply is genetically modified and processed and prepared in a way that destroys virtually all nutritional content, has resulted in higher levels of vitamin deficiency than ever before. While nutritional supplements are never a replacement for a healthy diet, they ARE an excellent dietary addition for those looking to compensate for this unfortunate decline. Still, although supplements can be incredibly beneficial in balancing nutrient deficiencies, it’s important to note that all supplements are NOT created equally. Fortunately, when you choose the Hallelujah Acres brand, you can rest assured that you are receiving 100% natural, plant-based supplements guaranteed to provide the highest quality nutrition and maximum absorbability available – while still being gentle on your body’s delicate systems! From the more easily assimilated methylcobalamin form of B12 available in our B12, B6, Folate supplement, to the patented probiotic delivery system contained in our technologically advanced Professional Strength Probiotic, you are guaranteed to get the most effective results. Our supplements are carefully processed to help balance deficiencies and rid the body of unnecessary waste, so your body is prepared to absorb maximum nutrition from the food that you eat! For instance, Hallelujah Acres Fiber Cleanse supplement contains 28 essential herbs for cleansing the body, eliminating toxins and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Plus, our B-Flax-D is not only a fantastic source of soluble and insoluble fiber, it also provides crucial omega-3 essential fats; vitamin B12 to prevent anemia, nerve damage, and aid in healthy cell formation; vitamin D to aid in the absorption of minerals; and the anti-viral, disease fighting properties of seleno-yeast. Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to joint pain. Thankfully, our specially formulated Joint Health supplement not only helps reduce inflammation, but the dual action formula also helps to rebuild cartilage and is created with the most potent, easily absorbed form of curcumin available (up to 700% more absorbable than standardized curcumin for maximum protection against inflammation)! And let’s not forget, the body’s ability to break down and absorb those nutrients is dependent on having an adequate amount of digestive enzymes. Unlike many other brands, our specially formulated Digestive Enzymes supplement contains cellulase to break down plant fiber, ensuring that the nutrients in your food are easily assimilated so you can receive maximum disease protection from your food! As you can tell, providing the best quality supplements is of utmost importance to us and we never cut corners when it comes to watching out for your health! (Check out our entire line of superior supplements here!) In addition to choosing the right nutritional supplements, it’s also important to choose organic, locally grown produce whenever possible. Because fruits and vegetables naturally lose some of their nutritional value over time (and due to varying temperature conditions during transportation), locally grown, seasonal produce is always the best choice. Plus, based on studies by The Organic Center's chief scientist Charles Benbrook, organic plants “develop more robust root systems that more aggressively absorb nutrients from the soil profile, and produce crops with higher concentrations of valuable nutrients and phytochemicals” than those grown using conventional farming methods. The bottom line: by making informed decisions about your food and supplement sources, you can be confident that you are receiving the most nutritional value from your diet – and in turn, making the smartest choices for your overall health!
