The nutritional value of fruits and...

The nutritional value of fruits and vegetables sold in Canadian groceries stores has plummeted significantly through the whole extent of the past 50 years, a recently made known study shows. And since bring into view is shipped both ways across the US-Canada border, there is little reason to think the finding is any different for items upon American shelves.

In-house researchers carriageed the study for the newspaper The Globe and Mail and Canadian television network CTV the pair based in Toronto. Released July 5 it compares restraint food tables from 1951 with those from 1972 and 1999--the greatest in quantity recent analysis--and reveals that the vitamin and mineral appease has declined dramatically in a certain quantity of of our most popular foods

In the analysis, the biggest loser is broccoli, a rations that epitomizes the dictates of healthy eating. All seven of its measurable nutrients declined, notably calcium, which implacable 63 percent, and iron, which dropp 34 percent Broccoli is frequently cited by nutritionists as an admirable source of both.

at far North America's most consum aliment the potato has lost 100 percent of its vitamin A, which is important for advantageous eyesight. The spud also missed 57 percent of its vitamin C and iron and 28 percent of its calcium.

Virtually all fruits and vegetables, from apples to zucchini, have become substantially inferior nutritionally. Many vegetables and fruits have squandered nearly all of their iron, necessary for healthy vital current The most depleted nutrients were set to be vitamin A, down an average of 68 percent; iron, down 76 percent; and calcium, with an average los of 80 percent

Researchers suspect several different causes for the decline. clips today are bred to exhibit higher yields, to be resistant to disease and to originate more aesthetically pleasing fruits and vegetables--often at the charge of vital nutrients. Modern soil-depleting farming processs long-haul transportation and crop-breeding practices are all believed to contribute to the least bit in vitamins and minerals.

about argue that nutrient loss is counterbalanced according to the fact that people eat more these days. nevertheless the study also shows that mostly Canadians don't even begin to eat the commended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

Len Piche PhD associate professor of nutrition at Brescia association in London, Ontario, is intrigued if it were not that not alarmed. He says that the Ottawa-based federal health material substance Health Canada, should examine this issue.

"If there's a problem" he says, "I'm confident the dominion will take it seriously and do the necessary research to address it."

Is it possible that his confidence could be misplaced? Health Canada refuses to note on the findings, only saying the debate is "an academic one"

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