The Hidden Cost of Modern Farming: Why Our Food Isn't as Healthy as It Used to Be

Lynn Hughes

on

Thursday, February 13, 2025

The Hidden Cost of Modern Farming: Why Our Food Isn't as Healthy as It Used to Be

In the latest episode of Metabolic Matters, Dr. Nasha Winters chats with Bob Jones, co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of The Chef’s Garden, a family-owned farm committed to cultivating nutrient-dense, flavorful produce through healthy soil management. Together, they explore a surprising and critical issue: our food isn’t as nutritious as it used to be. And, this isn’t just a matter of taste—it’s a matter of health.

What's Happening to Our Food?

A recent study, "An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods," highlights how the nutrient content of fruits, vegetables, and grains has quietly but significantly declined over the past 60 years.

The nutrients in our food—things like iron, magnesium, and vitamins—have dropped by as much as 50% since the 1940s. That means we’re eating more food but getting fewer nutrients. Here’s why:

Too Many Chemicals: Farmers often use synthetic fertilizers to help crops grow faster. But these chemicals can mess up the soil’s natural nutrient balance, so plants don’t absorb as many vitamins and minerals.
Bigger Crops, Fewer Nutrients: Modern farming focuses on growing more food quickly. Unfortunately, this often means sacrificing nutrient quality for quantity.
Unhealthy Soil: Intensive farming can strip the soil of its nutrients, making it harder for crops to grow strong and healthy.
Climate Change: Rising carbon dioxide levels in the air can actually lower the amount of protein, iron, and zinc in our food.

Why Should You Care?

This isn’t just a farmer’s problem—it’s a global health crisis. Over 2 billion people worldwide don’t get enough essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to:

Weaker immune systems (making it easier to get sick)
Higher risk of chronic diseases
Developmental problems in kids

As Bob points out, “In the United States today, we have the cheapest per capita spending on food of any industrialized nation in the world. Conversely, we have the highest per capita spending on healthcare. We happen to believe those two statistics are inextricably linked.”

Simply put, we are living in a time where people are overfed but undernourished.

What Can We Do About It?

Luckily, we can make a difference:

Eat Traditional Foods: Older, less-processed foods like millets, colorful fruits, and fresh veggies are packed with nutrients.
Support Sustainable Farming: Buying from local farmers who use regenerative, organic methods helps keep soil healthy and food nutrient-rich.
Be a Smart Shopper: Focus on nutrient-dense foods, not just calories. Look for variety and color in your fruits and vegetables.
Push for Change: Encourage policies that support farmers using eco-friendly practices.

Nourish Your Body, Heal the Planet, Support Patients

The health of our food starts with the health of our soil. By choosing regeneratively grown, nutrient-dense produce, you’re not just nourishing yourself—you’re supporting farming practices that restore soil health, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable food system. Seek out local regenerative organic farmers, ask about their growing methods, and learn how their commitment to healthy soil translates into more nutrient-rich food on your plate. Every small choice adds up to a big impact.

If you’re looking for a trusted source of regeneratively grown produce, you can purchase directly from The Chef’s Garden at Farmer Jones Farm. Not only will you be feeding your body with vibrant, nutrient-dense vegetables, but your purchase helps fund patient grants, offering hope and support to those navigating cancer and other metabolic diseases.

Final Thoughts

The decline in food quality is a silent health crisis. But with awareness and action, we can turn things around. Tune into the full episode of Metabolic Matters to learn more about choosing nutrient-rich foods and supporting sustainable farming to nourish ourselves and future generations.