What Is Nutrient-Rich(TM) Produce?

Problem: Scientific studies show the nutrient density of fruits and vegetables has significantly decreased since 1940, with nutrient losses as high as 81%.

Solution: Grow and consume Nutrient-Rich^TM produce. Think of the possibilities! What if one could select and grow a variety of food plants with genetics that produce maximum nutrition, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants? Then, what if one could give these plants everything they need to be able to express their genetic potentials? Wow! We could have some truly great food!

Fortunately, this work is beginning to be done. Some produce is being selected on the basis of phytonutrient density. And, yes, we have the technology to test for what the plants need to help them produce optimally. The resulting plants produce huge yields of wonderful tasting, Nutrient-Rich^TM food. Beyond that, some people have noticed that the produce has an incredibly long shelf life. Also, this is all accomplished in a very environmentally-friendly way.

Now let’s take this produce (which tastes so good that children select it over junk food) and feed it to humans. What are the possibilities? We start with full-spectrum mineral nutrition. Not just the minerals you read about on One-A-Day® and Centrum® bottles, but also many trace elements such as vanadium and strontium—elements often overlooked, but important for optimal health. Vitamin and antioxidant content is also higher in Nutrient-Rich^TM foods. There are many components to food—thousands of phytonutrients—many of which act as antioxidants, or perform other functions in the body such as assisting with cellular communication. The production of healthful and flavorful food compounds is maximized by the careful process of growing Nutrient-Rich^TM foods.

One interesting phenomenon shown in field reports and preliminary data is a difference in blood glucose response to fruits grown under the varying cultivation techniques. The fruits from the nutrient-balanced system showed a much flatter glucose response curve than the same cultivar of conventional fruits, which displayed the typical rapid glucose spiking and subsequent fall to a below-baseline hypoglycemic reading. The implications are especially important for people with diabetes and weight problems. One long-time researcher in the field feels that 70% of diseases could be prevented by regular consumption of nutrient-balanced foods.

This is an emerging field, ripe with possibilities! However, the research has only just begun. Funding of detailed, controlled research is needed to move Nutrient-Rich^TM foods forward into the mainstream so that millions of people and our environment will benefit.

For more information on Nutrient-Rich^TM foods contact:

Jana Bogs, DN, PhD (located on the Big Island of Hawaii)