In a world where food choices abound, it is astonishing that many people still struggle with nutrient deficiencies. To shed light on this issue, we asked renowned nutrition expert, Dr. Libby, to unravel the mystery behind why we aren’t getting enough nutrients in our diets.
Driven by her passion for optimal health and wellbeing, Dr. Libby – who is also a biochemist, author, speaker and founder of the food-based supplement range, Bio Blends – talks about the diminishing quality of soil and the prevalence of ultra-processed ‘foods’.
Join us as we delve into the complexities of soil depletion, the impact of dietary choices, and uncover practical tips for boosting the nutrient density of our meals.
Why are we not getting enough nutrients in our diet?
In part this is due to the decreasing quality of the soil. When soils are used over and over again without nutrient dense replenishment or crop rotation, as is common practice, nutritional value diminishes. Nutrients are drawn out of the soil every time a crop or vegetables – anything – is grown. The nutrients are used by the plant to grow, and we then get the benefits when we consume that food. So if a nutrient isn’t in the soil, it can’t be in our food. The other common reason for nutrient deficiencies is an overconsumption of ultra-processed ‘foods’ that offer little in the way of nutrient density and/or a way of eating which omits certain food groups.
How common are nutrient deficiencies?
Most of us are incredibly fortunate to live in a world where food is plentiful, and an abundance of fresh, nutrient dense foods are available to us. Yet, nutrient deficiencies are still common due to the aforementioned reasons (diminishing soil quality, overconsumption of poor quality foods and following restrictive ways of eating) as well as lifestyles that drive the relentless production of stress hormones. When the body is churning out stress hormones, our need for nutrients goes up as we require them to literally build these hormones, on top of all the other vital biochemical processes that drive health in the body.
What are the most common nutrient deficiencies?
Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. It particularly impacts children, pregnant and menstruating women, as well as those who eat in a way that omits foods rich in iron (such as too easily occurs with a vegetarian and vegan way of eating). Other common deficiencies include vitamin D which is best obtained from sunlight on our skin and vitamin B12 which is found only in foods of animal origin. Zinc is another common deficiency and it is needed for everything from immune function and heathy skin to how efficiently we detoxify alcohol. It’s important to remember, that there are plenty of nutrients that aren’t measured regularly in tests and there may be others that are commonly deficient and yet just as vital to the overall functioning of a healthy body.
What foods pack the most powerful nutrient punch?
This really depends on the nutrients you’re trying to obtain which is why it’s so important to eat a wide variety of whole real foods. If I had to choose though, you can’t go past the Brassica genus of vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts) which not only contain vitamins, minerals and fibre but also vital substances you cannot get from other plants. Broccoli contains a substance that supports health oestrogen detoxification, for example, something we need to be able to do efficiently across all life stages. This is one of many reasons why, when I formulated Bio Blends Organic Daily Greens and Radiant Reds, it was the first vegie I selected. Parsley is another underrated plant, a source of vitamin C, non-haem iron, carotenoids and vitamin K and organic butter contains vitamin A. Offal, like liver, is supremely nutrient dense and eggs are superstars, as they contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals inside that one shell!
What are your top tips for increasing the nutrient density of your meals across the day?
Ideally, each meal would contain protein, vegetables, whole food carbohydrates and whole food fats. Too many people don’t touch a vegetable until dinner time so they’ve missed two meal (and possibly snack) opportunities to get their minimum five serves in per day. A ground up vegetable powder, such as Bio Blends Organic Daily Greens and Radiant Reds, can help boost your intake of nutrients that foster better energy – a teaspoon in a glass of water or a green smoothie (another way to increase your vegetable consumption!) in the afternoon can help with that mid-afternoon slump.
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Dr Libby’s One Teaspoon Challenge
We all know we need to eat more vegetables, yet too often our daily veggie intake takes a back seat as we rush between tasks and get split between the responsibilities of our day. In fact, only 1 in 10 people are eating the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables.
Nutritional biochemist, Dr Libby Weaver, is encouraging New Zealanders to do better with her One Teaspoon Challenge—just one teaspoon of the plant-based, nutrient-rich supplement, Bio Blends Organic Daily Greens & Radiant Reds, in a glass of water each day, for a 28 days. Then experience the transformative effects first-hand.
The challenge aims to improve overall health and boost energy levels and vitality.
Starting July 3rd, you can sign up for the One Teaspoon Challenge for $59.95.
