Research Shows Nutritional Value of Fruits and Veggies Diminishing
07/29/10 - 01:45 PM
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Mom always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables, but scientific studies are showing they may not be as nutritious as they used to be. A study from the University of Texas shows that in the past fifty years, some fruits and vegetables have lost more than half their nutritional value.

The researcher claims it might be because of farmers using chemicals and other unnatural methods of growing crops bigger and faster. But while there is scientific research, some Grand Valley growers are debating the claim.

“I think our food source today is better nutritionally than it was 50 years ago, and it’s certainly a lot more healthy today,” Farmer Bob of Alida’s Fruits said.

Research claims the lack of nutrients is due to the farming industry’s desire to grow bigger veggies at a faster rate.

“It’s not all plant genetics and plant breeding—a lot of it is—but a lot of it is farm technique,” said Farmer Bob.

73-year-old Farmer Bob says there’s more to the argument. Producing larger fruit has less to do with genetics and more to do with location. “You might test a peach grown in California against one grown in Colorado, and there could be a substantial difference in the nutritional value of the peaches.”

He says Colorado’s climate helps give our produce a higher nutritional value. “We have cool nights and hot days which tend to stress a plant. When you stress a plant, it creates protein.”

Farmer Bob also believes the crops today are healthier than past years from techniques used to combat insects. “It will mold where the worm has been, and that mold is a lot more harmful to humans than any sprays used to keep that worm out.”

His rule of thumb is to eat the produce within a week, as nutrients diminish with time. “Eat it fresh. Get it fresh at the Farmer’s Market, take it home, prepare, and eat it.”

Cooking methods also play a role in the amount of nutrients you’ll get. Steaming your veggies rather than boiling them can help make them more nutritious.

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