Nutrient Dense Food

Years ago Dr. Arden Andersen, medical doctor and agricultural expert, introduced the term nutrient dense food. The USDA analyzes the quantity of nutrients in milligrams or micrograms in 100 grams of food. Andersen's research showed that food today has 15 - 75% less nutrition than that of fifty years ago. Think about eating a carrot; wouldn't you want the best nutrition and flavor possible?

Why has the quality of our food declined? Arden Andersen cites the farming practises of the 1930's as pivotal in the decline of soil health. Once nitrates were developed During World War I, farmers began using straight nitrogen, straight phosphorus, and straight potash - NPK, and neglected other nutrients. The use of the NPK model led to measuring success by volume, not flavor or nutrition.

"Nitrates are conducive to pathogens," states Andersen, "so the same companies that have promoted the use of nitrogen are also manufacturing the pesticides to kill the organisms that are going to be promoted by using fertilizer, so it;s a great business plan. And that's exactly what it has been. It has not been science at all; it's all about business."

What's Andersen's recipe for reversing this trend? Start with the soil. Stop using straight NPK and pesticides. Add calcium and minerals to the soil, not just the standard 15 minerals, but 60 - 80. Add carbohydrates for a positive carbon load. Today's conventional crops have a negative carbon load and release significant CO2 into the atmosphere. Continued use of conventional agriculture means increased problems. Roundup use today has almost three times the active ingredients of 20 years ago per acre.

Nutrient rich soils produce dramatic results: good yields in adverse conditions and fewer pests, for example. Proponents of nutrient density strive to increase nutrients. This higher percentage of dissolved solids such as carbohydrates, sugars,and protein correlate to better flavor, better nutrition, increased shelf life, and increased resistance to pests and diseases.

So, what are the Keppers doing?
* Ken has grown in accordance with organic standards since 1976.
*In the late 80's We stopped using any organic approved pesticides.
*We have added compost, kelp, and minerals.
* In 2007 we did the trace mineral test and added the standard 15 as needed.
* In 2009 we began adding 90 minerals through use of ocean additives.

For more information check Organic Connections www.organicconnectingmag.com and realfoodcampaign.org