High-protein diets have long been celebrated for their health benefits. From fat loss to muscular growth, foods rich in protein have enjoyed strong demand from consumers across the globe. While it continues to be a favored macronutrient, protein is being increasingly complemented by an emphasis on micronutrients – vitamins and minerals that are equally vital for overall health.
Recent data (Mintel GNPD, June 2019-May 2024) suggests that producers and advertisers are gradually shifting their focus to foods rich in vitamins and minerals instead. There is a good reason for that.
The Harms of Micronutrient Deficiency
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2 billion people across continents are deficient in key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Such nutrient deficiencies can often lead to a host of ailments, including cognitive decline, stunted growth, perinatal complications, and degenerative diseases – all preventable.
One could be forgiven for blaming poor dietary choices or scarcity of nutrient-dense food as the main culprits, but the answer is not that simple.
Soil Depletion: The Hidden Crisis Behind Nutrient Deficiency
One of the lesser-known contributors to micronutrient deficiency is the depletion of nutrients in the soil. According to researchers writing for the Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, intensive farming, monocropping, and overuse of chemical fertilizers are examples of modern agricultural methods that have drastically reduced the amount of minerals in soils.
The vital elements necessary for plant growth and, by extension, human health have been significantly depleted from soil during the past century. As such, foods that are often thought of as being highly nutritious may be lower in vitamins and minerals than they were a few decades ago.
But all is not lost. Through practices like regenerative farming, reduced chemical usage, and organic agriculture, this trend can be reversed and food made nutritious again. In the meantime, people can take the easier step of consuming forest berries to increase the amount of essential micronutrients in their diets.
Forest Berries: Nature’s Vitamin and Mineral Powerhouses
Forest berries, like blueberries and lingonberries, are naturally high in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins. They are a concentrated source of nutrients that can fill the gaps left by depleted soils.
In contrast to highly processed foods, which frequently need fortification to make up for nutrient losses, berries provide a natural and delicious way to boost intake of these important micronutrients. With their high nutrient density and minimal processing, incorporating berries into daily meals supports overall health. In short, you can enjoy the variety of flavors offered by berries while simultaneously making a significant step toward addressing nutrient deficiencies.