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Nourishing Our Bodies: The Depleted Soil Dilemma and the Role of Supplements, Herbs and Spices

In our fast-paced world, where convenience often takes precedence over nutritional value, we additionally need to understand the quality of the soil used for growing the vegetables we eat and the vegetation consumed by the animal proteins that some use. 

Nutrient density of the soil has become a pressing concern. Many experts, farmers, and scientists argue that modern agricultural practices have led to soil depletion, resulting in fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables that are not as nutrient-dense as they once were. This raises a crucial question: How can we ensure we receive the essential nutrients we need? For now, the answer may lie in the incorporation of dietary supplements and herbs into our daily routine.

The Depleted Soil Dilemma:

Over the years, intensive farming methods, excessive pesticide use, and the reliance on chemical fertilizers have taken a toll on the health of our soil. These practices have stripped the soil of essential minerals and nutrients, leaving it less capable of producing nutrient-rich food, as well as depleting our top soil.  Recent research from UMass Amherst shows a rapid rate of topsoil erosion and depletion. 

“The Midwestern United States has lost 57.6 billion tons of topsoil due to farming practices over the past 160 years, and the rate of erosion, even following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s guidelines, is still 25 times higher than the rate at which topsoil forms” (Umass Amherst, 2023). As a result, even if we consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, organic or conventional, we are likely not receiving the full spectrum of nutrients our bodies require.

The Nutrient Gap:

Despite our best efforts to maintain a balanced diet, the nutrient content of our food is not what it used to be. Studies have shown declines in the levels of key vitamins and minerals in crops, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C. This nutrient gap between what our bodies need and what our current food provides underscores the importance of exploring alternative ways to meet our nutritional requirements.

Supplements, Herbs and Spices: Bridging the Nutrient Divide:

Dietary Supplements, Herbs and Spices can play a crucial role in bridging the nutrient divide created by depleted soil. Many supplements, Herbs and Spices provide concentrated doses of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that may be lacking in our diets. Incorporating them into our daily routine can help ensure that our bodies receive the full spectrum of nutrients required for optimal health.

Key Nutrients to Consider:

  • Vitamins: Essential for and many bodily functions, vitamins like A, B, C, D, and E may be supplemented to support immune health, skin integrity, and overall well-being.
  • Minerals: Important for bone health, muscle function, and metabolic processes, minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron  and others can be supplemented to address potential deficiencies.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Often lacking in modern diets, omega-3 fatty acid supplements can support heart health, brain function, and inflammation control. Fatty acids are also needed to absorb the other nutrients our bodies need.

Balancing Act:

While supplements can be a valuable addition to our diet, it's important to view them as complements rather than substitutes for a balanced and varied intake of whole foods, herbs and spices. Whole foods, herbs and spices offer a combination of nutrients and other beneficial compounds that supplements may not fully replicate. Here are just a few examples of herbs and spices which are greatly beneficial to our health and wellbeing.

Herbs and Spices:

Nettles - the Midwest answer to seaweed: has a complex array of minerals and vitamins, just like seaweed, naturally found in its leaves. Stinging nettle is high in amino acids, protein, flavonoids, and bone-building minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Nettle contains vitamins and minerals that can help keep your bones strong (Gupta, 2021). Stinging nettle is one of the greatest sources of vitamin K. May be eaten cooked, as a tea or tincture to receive the most benefit. Get Nettles Tincture

Oregano and Mexican Oregano - one of the best antimicrobial herbs! Oregano has been shown to support antiviral activity, reduce inflammation, help relieve diarrhea and more. It is part of a healthy Mediterranean diet and has many essential volatile oils beneficial to human health. Oregano contains various minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and selenium), vitamins (such as vitamins C, K, A, and E, folate, and B vitamins), and various other beneficial compounds, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, thymol, and carvacrol that act as antioxidants. Mexican (also known as Cuban) Oregano is even more rich in these important components. Both can be added to food, or consumed as a tea or a tincture. Get Mexican Oregano Herbal Tincture

Mint - All the mints are beneficial to our health. Aiding in digestive health, nausea, sea sickness, calming the nervous system. The mints also are high in nutrition: proteins, carbohydrates, Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorous and Potassium, among other nutrients. Add to food, drink teas, or take in a tincture.

Basil - Basil leaves may act against cancer, diabetes, bacterial growth, and arthritis. It may also manage stress, reduce swelling, boost the immune system, and enhance heart health. Basil has Calcium, Iron, magnesium, phosphorus.  Add to food or drink teas.

Rosemary - contains some vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate. Minerals in rosemary include calcium, iron, and magnesium, and manganese. Research shows it can support Immune function, stress reduction and memory. Add to food, or drink teas.

In our quest to overcome the challenges of depleted soil and its impact on the nutritional quality of our food, dietary supplements, herbs and spices emerge as a proactive solution. To help you on your journey to optimal health, consider exploring a range of supplements and herbs available in the Adagio online shop and curated affiliates, to support your health. Our curated selections are designed to address specific nutritional and health needs, providing you with the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body craves.

 

Curated Affiliates

Fullscript - Adagio membership gives you an automatic 15% discount on all orders and free shipping on orders over $50.

NutriDyn - Create an account using Practitioner Code: 101586 and receive 25% off all products and free shipping on orders over $49.

By making informed choices about the supplements, herbs and spices you incorporate into your routine, you take a significant step towards bridging the nutrient gap caused by depleted soil.

Remember, while supplements play a vital role, they are most effective when combined with a balanced and varied diet, herbs and spices. Embrace the power of whole foods, herbs and spices alongside targeted supplementation to ensure your body receives the diverse array of nutrients it needs for sustained well-being. 

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