I really believe that the beneficiaries of our consumption of nutritionally void produce is the supplements industry. Over the last 20 years I can only imagine the increase in sales of multivitamins. The depletion of the nutrients in our soils plus the rise of GMO crops is leading to flavorless, nutritionally robbed produce; consequently forcing us to consume synthetic vitamins to bridge the gap. My solution? Shop local. I visit the Farmer’s Market twice a week and have since developed a relationship with the local, organic farmers from whom I purchase produce. It gives more meaning to your food to see the face of the person growing it. If you have the opportunity in your area give it a try. You can’t beat the taste of a fresh carrot!

I came across this interesting article referenced by Dr. Mercola:

According to new research, produce in the U.S. not only tastes worse than it did in your grandparents’ days, but also contains fewer nutrients. In fact, the average vegetable found in today’s supermarket is anywhere from 5 percent to 40 percent lower in minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc than those harvested just 50 years ago.

Today’s vegetables are larger, but do not contain more nutrients. Jumbo-sized produce actually contains more “dry matter” than anything else, which dilutes mineral concentrations.

An additional problem is the “genetic dilution effect,” in which selective breeding to increase crop yield has led to declines in protein, amino acids, and minerals. Breeders select for high yield, effectively selecting mostly for high carbohydrate content.

And finally, as a result of the growing rise of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, modern crops are being harvested faster than ever before, meaning that produce has less time to absorb nutrients either from synthesis or the soil.

A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that shoppers were willing to pay more for locally grown food, and those shopping at farmers’ markets were willing to spend the most for food grown close to home.

Small local farms are cropping up as a result, and many of them use organic, sustainable farming practices even though they may not have been certified as such.

The top reasons people cite for wanting organic, locally-grown food?

• Better food quality
• Better taste
• Freshness

And no wonder, considering the fact that studies, such as the one above, is finding that conventionally grown produce simply isn’t what it used to be.