Ideally, we would get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat

Deterioration in the Food Chain

Once food is harvested - eg an orange is picked from a tree - it immediately starts to lose many of its nutrients - especially the vitamins.

Scientific studies have documented nutrient degradation in fruits and vegetables post-harvest, particularly concerning vitamins like vitamin C.

For instance, research indicates that lettuce stored at room temperature can lose up to 39% of its vitamin C content within three days, and up to 59% after ten days under refrigeration. Skeptics Stack Exchange

The time elapsed between harvest and consumption significantly influences nutrient retention. Factors such as transportation, storage conditions, and handling practices can exacerbate nutrient losses. A study on tomato supply chains in South India highlights that post-harvest losses are prevalent from farm to retail stages, emphasizing the importance of efficient supply chain management to preserve quality and nutritional value.PubMed Central

Food choices

Our food choices are often not ideal - highly processed, takeaway and convenience foods are often less nutritious.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as highly processed, takeaway, and convenience foods, are associated with lower nutritional quality and adverse health outcomes. A meta-analysis found that increased UPF intake correlates with higher levels of free sugars, total fats, and saturated fats, alongside decreased intake of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. PMC

Additionally, research on supermarket ready-meals indicates they tend to be high in saturated fat and salt, with only 20% meeting low thresholds for fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar. PMC

The British Heart Foundation notes that several studies have linked higher consumption of UPFs to increased risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. British Heart Foundation

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that processed foods have seen increases in serving sizes, calories, and sodium content over time, contributing to poor dietary habits. CDC

Pesticides + Herbicides

Intensive modern farming methods frequently involve substantial use of herbicides and pesticides to enhance crop yields and manage pests. This chemical-intensive approach has been linked to various environmental concerns, including soil degradation.

Overapplication of fertilizers and pesticides can harm soil health by disrupting microbial communities essential for maintaining soil fertility. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer use, for instance, has been shown to deplete soil carbon content, leading to reduced soil quality and increased carbon dioxide emissions. E360

Furthermore, the persistent use of toxic chemicals in agriculture undermines healthy soil ecosystems, which are crucial for sustainable food production.Center for Biological Diversity

Soil Damage

We tend to think of soil as inert - when actually soil is a network of living organisms and microbes that are easily damaged.

Soil is a dynamic ecosystem teeming with living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining soil health and fertility. These microorganisms are essential for processes such as decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and suppressing plant diseases. SARE

However, certain agricultural practices can disrupt this delicate balance. For instance, tillage can cause extensive damage to the soil microbiome by disturbing the soil structure and habitat of these organisms. Reduced or no-tillage practices are recommended to minimize such disturbances and support a healthy soil ecosystem. Phycoterra

Additionally, soil compaction from heavy machinery compresses the habitat of soil microbes and plant roots, leading to a decline in microbial activity and diversity. This reduction can impair soil functions, including nutrient cycling and plant growth. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

Nutrient Depletion

Modern farming can take more from the soil than is put back.

Modern intensive farming practices often extract more nutrients from the soil than are replenished, leading to soil nutrient depletion and reduced fertility. This imbalance can result in diminished crop yields and poses a threat to global food security. ResearchGate

Additionally, the overuse of synthetic fertilizers can disrupt soil microbial communities, further degrading soil health. Frontiers

Commercial Pressures

Commercial pressures may force the emphasis of farming to be on the size + appearance of food - not its nutritional content

Commercial pressures in modern agriculture often prioritize the size and appearance of produce to meet market demands, sometimes at the expense of nutritional content. This focus can lead to the selection of crop varieties bred for yield and aesthetic qualities rather than nutrient density. Over the past six decades, there has been a notable decline in the nutritional quality of foods, with reductions in essential minerals and vitamins. MDPI

Additionally, the emphasis on large-scale production and uniformity can result in farming practices that prioritize quantity over quality. This approach may overlook the importance of soil health and biodiversity, which are crucial for producing nutrient-rich crops. The current food system's focus on production quantity, often to the exclusion of other goals, has been identified as unsustainable and detrimental to both environmental and human health. PMC