Nutrition

Nutrition

In the ever-growing world of nutrition and wellness, discerning what we consume, its effects on our bodies, and its origin becomes paramount. 

As food takes centre stage in health discussions, we increasingly turn towards local, organic, and sustainable sources. 

Choosing regeneratively grown and nutrient-dense foods can strengthen your immune system, improve mental health, boost energy levels, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

But how do you really know where your food is coming or how it was grown?

YYC Growers is a cooperative owned by local farmers and urban growers. We are the growers, and we dedicated to providing nutritionally superior, sustainable, and seriously delicious food.


WHY IS NUTRITIONALLY SUPERIOR FOOD IMPORTANT?

Depending on practices and conditions, a regeneratively grown carrot can contain 10x more nutrients than your run-of-the-mill supermarket carrot. [1] Surprised?

Today, we consume more calories with fewer nutrients than previous generations did. This is due to the widespread availability of processed and convenience foods, which are often high in calories but low in essential nutrients. This phenomenon is known as "hidden hunger" - a situation where people are consuming enough calories, but not enough essential vitamins and minerals.

Common vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are significant include vitamins C, E, A, and B6. Deficiencies can have profound health consequences, potentially leading to conditions like anemia (iron deficiency), impaired immunity (zinc, selenium, and vitamin A deficiencies), and bone abnormalities (calcium and vitamin D deficiencies), among others.

Consuming low-quality, nutrient-poor foods can contribute to weight gain, energy crashes, and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These foods are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. 

Other notable impacts include:

  • Mental performance: Beyond persistent hunger and brain fog, you may experience poor mental clarity and concentration due to insufficient nutrients needed for brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and certain minerals like magnesium.
  • Fitness: Your body needs adequate nutrients to build and repair muscles, sustain energy during workouts, and recover post-exercise. Without these nutrients, you may find your fitness progress plateauing or even regressing.
  • Growth, aging, pregnancy, and more: Growing children require a comprehensive spectrum of nutrients for their development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need enhanced nutritional intake to maintain their health and nurture their infants. Older adults can manage chronic conditions, support cognitive health, and promote longevity through nutrient-dense foods.

Don’t just take it from us! It is truly important to prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods and support regenerative agriculture practices that produce more nutrient-dense crops.


HOW DO REGENERATIVE PRACTICES CONTRIBUTE TO NUTRITION?

Regenerative farming practices focus on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. It is a way of farming that actively improve the health of the environment and boosts the nutritional value of the produce.

Soil quality and nutrient density

Our soil is rich in organic matter and brimming with beneficial microorganisms, which studies show leads to crops with high nutrient density. [2]

  • Microbial activity: Beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, play a vital role in the soil nutrient cycle. They decompose organic matter and convert it into forms that plants can use. They also help create soil structure, improving water retention and root penetration.
  • Organic matter: Organic matter, including decomposed plant and animal material, is a critical component of healthy soil. It acts as a reserve of nutrients and water in the soil, enhancing its fertility and structure.
  • Nutrient uptake: Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, so if the soil is nutrient-rich, so are the crops grown in it. In contrast, crops grown in nutrient-depleted soil lack those essential nutrients vital for human health. The healthier and more balanced the soil, the higher the nutrient content of the crops.

But it’s not just what we do, but also what we don’t do. Conventional agricultural practices, such as rigorous tilling, nitrogen fertilization, and the application of synthetic pesticides, can lead to diminished nutrient density through disrupting the symbiotic relationships between crops and the organisms living in the soil. [3]

Short farm-to-table duration

YYC Growers' food reaches consumers in a shorter time span compared to most store-bought produce, which might seem simple but actually has big impacts. 

  • Preservation of nutrients: By minimizing the farm-to-table duration, YYC Growers ensures that the food retains its maximum nutritional content by the time it reaches your plate.
  • Peak ripeness harvesting: Produce intended for long-distance shipping is often harvested early, which means it may not have reached its nutritional peak, which means missing out on the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
  • Less need for preservatives: There is less need to use preservatives to maintain the shelf life of the produce. This results in food that is not only fresher but also free from unnecessary additives.

FOR THE FUTURE

At YYC Growers, we aren't merely offering food; we’re offering a blueprint for improved nutrition, health, and environmental stewardship. 

We are committed to regenerative agricultural practices and maintaining nutrient-rich soil—it is through these practices that we can ensure that the food we produce is high-quality and nutrient-dense. 

By choosing YYC Growers, you are choosing food that significantly contributes to your overall health and well-being, and you are supporting a sustainable food system that will benefit the local economy and the global environment. 

Share your feedback with us! Comment on our Facebook or Instagram feed or send us an email at info@yycgrowers.com

Your YYC Growers Team

 

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Sources:

Images credits:

  • Farmer with carrot — Steel Pony Farm
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