In a world where abundance and scarcity exist side by side, nutritional deficiency has emerged as a paradoxical concern across the globe, impacting even the wealthiest nations.
Key Reasons Behind Nutritional Deficiency:
- Processed Foods: The modern diet is heavily laden with processed foods, lacking in essential nutrients.
- Soil Depletion: Modern farming practices have diminished the nutrient content of our soil and, consequently, our food.
- Limited Dietary Diversity: Many diets lack variety, leading to a shortfall in essential nutrients.
- Impaired Nutrient Absorption: Stress, certain medications, and gut health issues can hamper nutrient absorption.
- Increased Nutritional Demands: Modern lifestyle factors like pollution and stress elevate our nutrient needs.
- Economic Barriers: Affordability and availability of fresh, nutritious foods remain significant challenges, particularly in food deserts.
- Misleading Diet Trends: The popularity of fad diets and unreliable nutrition advice often results in unbalanced eating habits.
- Declining Fish Consumption: Concerns about contaminants have led to reduced fish intake, affecting omega-3 fatty acid and mineral levels.
- Anti-nutrients in Diet: Certain foods and drinks can inhibit nutrient absorption.
- Overcooking Practices: Excessive cooking can degrade vital nutrients.
- Over-reliance on Supplements: Supplements, while beneficial, cannot wholly replace the diversity of nutrients in whole foods.
- Climate Change: Environmental changes are altering the nutrient profile of various crops.