Good soil & soul food

If the minerals that we require are not present in the soil, they will not be found in the food we eat either.

Our incredible bodies evolved over millennia to consume and absorb foods that are found in nature, yet many of the foods we have come to eat have been grown on nutrient-depleted soil, caused by a monoculture system, use of chemical sprays and poor crop rotation. If the key minerals used by plants as building blocks to make the vitamins and minerals that we require are not present in the soil, then they will not be found in the food we eat either.

Claims of enhanced nutritional benefits of organic foods can be controversial but the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that, on average, organic crops contain 29% more magnesium, 27% more vitamin C, 21% more iron and 26% more calcium. But perhaps more compelling is the richer concentration of plant chemicals (known as phytonutrients) found in organically produced fruit and veg. These substances are not just good for the plant, but for us too, playing an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Many pesticides are also known endocrine (hormone) disruptors. Research published in 2022 concluded that exposure to these contaminants was associated with earlier onset of menopause, increased rate of ageing and prevalence of symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. This is especially pertinent for women working the land in countries that we in the UK have come to rely on for much of our ‘conventional’ production of fruit and veg. In these places, the adverse impacts for women’s health remain grossly underestimated and under- reported, further hindered by the paucity of occupational research on women.

The virtues of choosing an organic diet also go beyond the nutrients it provides – food is at the nexus of healthcare, spiritual, emotional, mental and planetary wellbeing. In Soil, Soul and Society, environmental activist Satish Kumar reminds us that caring for the natural environment (soil), maintaining personal wellness (soul) and upholding human values (society) are the moral imperatives of our time. By supporting our planetary health, we support our own.

Henrietta Norton BSc Dip NT is a leading nutritional practitioner, author, and co-founder of Wild Nutrition (wildnutrition.com).

References

Nicolas Monjotin et al (2022) Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare. Nutrient  May; 14(9): 1712.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565680/

Alison Neff et al (2022) The Effects of Environmental Contaminant Exposure on Reproductive Aging and the Menopause Transition. Current Environmental Health Reports 9 (1): 53-79 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35103957

London L et al (2002) Pesticide usage and health consequences for women in developing countries: out of sight, out of mind? International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 8(1):46–59

Axel Mie et al (2017) Human Health Implications of organic Food and organic agriculture: A comprehensive review Environmental Health Journal Oct 27;16(1):111

V Worthington (2002) Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional fruits, vegetables and grains Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine April 7(2):161-73

3 Comments

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  1. Food for thought. Perhaps when farming systems started to change in wartime and afterwards it was conceivable people could claim that how we treat the soil made no difference. Its a little more difficult now with experts telling us that healthy soils produce healthy food. It seems very obvious that a system which seeks to enhance soil fertility must produce more nutritious food. I just hope that I will be able to continue to buy organic whole food. It makes one think more carefully about whether I want the best car, clothes, holidays or any alcohol etc, or should I concentrate on what I eat?

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  2. The post highlights some critical points about the impact of modern farming practices on both our food and our health. It’s alarming to think that nutrient depletion in soil can directly affect the vitamins and minerals we get from our food. The fact that organic crops have been shown to contain more essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C is pretty compelling, and the concentration of phytonutrients found in organic produce is definitely something to consider.

    What really stood out to me was the discussion on the health consequences of pesticide exposure, especially for women working in agriculture in developing countries. The connection between pesticides and hormone disruption, and how this leads to earlier menopause, is particularly concerning. It makes you think about the hidden costs behind the food we consume.

    Choosing organic isn’t just about personal health, but also about supporting a more sustainable and ethical food system. The quote from Satish Kumar, emphasizing the interconnectedness of soil, soul, and society, really drives this home. It reminds us that the choices we make for our bodies also reflect our choices for the planet.

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