Fruits and Vegetables Contain Up to 50% Fewer Nutrients Than 60 Years Ago

A new study shows the nutritional value and nutrient content of some vegetables and fruits, such as wheat, apples and carrots, has declined sharply since the 1960s, nearly halving. Researchers say declining soil quality is a major factor behind this change.

Ambassador Arjan: The results of a new study show that the nutritional value and nutrients of some vegetables and fruits, such as wheat, apples and carrots, have decreased sharply compared to the 1960s and have almost halved. Researchers say that the decrease in soil quality is one of the main factors of this change.

According to this research, in order to receive the same amount of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and copper that we received 60 years ago, we must now consume more vegetables and fruits; In some cases, even twice as much.

Deep Science Ventures researchers found that grains, bread, carrots, apples and peas have lost between 20 and 50 percent of some key nutrients. Decades of efforts to increase yields and crop cultivation may have reduced nutrient density, they believe.

What are the consequences of reducing the nutritional value of vegetables and fruits?

From the 1960s until now, the rate of grain cultivation per hectare has increased by 215%. At the same time, the rate of malnutrition in developing countries has increased from 35% to 12%.

For example, whole grains and Brazil nuts are sources of selenium. But the concentration of this substance in wheat has decreased. As a result, women now need to eat four slices of whole-wheat bread to get one-third of the recommended daily requirement of selenium.

The researchers also found that only less than one-third of wheat varieties introduced for bread production since the 1960s meet the recommended level of zinc.

Depletion of these nutrients has important consequences. Selenium deficiency weakens the immune system and increases the risk of heart disease. Zinc deficiency may also affect the skin, hair, and immune system.

Iron deficiency is also associated with fatigue and reduced concentration. Inadequate potassium intake may also increase the risk of stroke by 21%.

These complications may put a lot of financial pressure on households and economies. For example, stroke currently costs the UK around £26 billion a year.

Researchers also warn against the increased use of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Monjaro. These drugs reduce food intake. Therefore, the problems related to the reduction of nutrient density may be exacerbated.

Researchers believe that restoring soil health simultaneously improves nutrient density, crop yield and agricultural resistance to climate change. According to them, species breeding and policy strengthening are other keys to solving these problems.