Episode 123 - Facts About Regenerative Foods

Facts about Regenerative Foods   Regenerative agriculture is a holistic land management practice that seeks to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and promote ecosystem resilience. This approach goes beyond sustainable agriculture, aiming to regenerate degraded soils and reverse environmental damage caused by conventional farming practices.   According to Regenerative Farmers of America: Since the 1960s and 1970s, nutrient density has declined compared to that of food grown today. A study by researchers at the University of Texas analyzed USDA nutrient data from 1950 to 1999 and found that the nutrient content of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach had declined.  The study found that spinach had lost 53% of its vitamin C content, 47% of its vitamin A content, and 60% of its iron content over that 50-year time frame. Another study evaluated the nutritional density of 27 vegetable crops from 1940 to 1991 and found that the levels of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium had fallen significantly.  Studies suggested that changes in agricultural practices, soil depletion, and the use of hybrid and genetically modified crops may be a major cause to the decline in nutrient density. The Bionutrient Food Association conducted a study on the nutrient density of vegetables grown using regenerative agriculture practices on multiple farms across the United States. The study measured the nutrient density of 8 different crops, including kale, collard greens, and carrots. The results showed that on average, the regeneratively-grown vegetables had 21% more nutrients than USDA averages. A study conducted by the Rodale Institute on a regenerative farm in Pennsylvania found that the nutrient density of corn and soybeans grown using regenerative practices were significantly higher than conventional crops. The study used a refractometer to measure the Brix levels of the crops, which correlates with nutrient density. The regeneratively-grown corn had a Brix level of 10.6, while the conventional corn had a Brix level of 8.2. The regeneratively-grown soybeans had a Brix level of 8.5, while the conventional soybeans had a Brix level of 7.3. The Savory Institute conducted a study on a regenerative cattle ranch in Zimbabwe, measuring the nutrient density of the grass and soil on the farm. The study used a spectrometer to measure the nutrient levels in the grass, and found that the regeneratively-managed pastures had 500% more nutrients than nearby degraded pastures. The study also found that the soil on the regenerative ranch had higher levels of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A study conducted by the Organic Center measured the nutrient density of spinach grown on a regenerative farm in California. The study found that the regeneratively-grown spinach had higher levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, than conventionally-grown spinach. The study used High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to measure the nutrient levels in the spinach. '15The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. ' Genesis 2:15   God put Israel in the Promised Land, a fertile land flowing with milk and honey. God provided them that productive land and commanded them to let the soil rest every seventh year. You shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield, but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat; and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat. You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove (Exodus 23:10-11; cf. Leviticus 25:1-7).   God gave that command because He didn't want them to exploit the land and extract all its life. Allowing the land to rest every seven years ensured that it rejuvenated itself and continued to provide in the future.   https://regenerationinternational.org/2023/09/26/find-regenerative-farmers-help-us-grow-our-regenerative-farm-map/   EWG https://www.ewg.org Environmental Working Group   --------------------------------------   Dr. Glenda’s new Book:  40-Days Closer to Him, A God-Inspired Wellness Plan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPPLRBYV For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media: Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1   Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1   Produced by KB Podcasts