Most nutrition experts agree that a healthy diet is a great source of minerals.  However, consider the following questions:

1. Are the soils of today deficient in nutrients and minerals?  If so, how does this effect our nutrition?
2. Assuming the soil has the nutrients and minerals necessary to maintain health, do most people eat the quality and variety of food necessary to avoid mineral deficiencies?

The answer to the first question is yes.  Our soils are more deficient in nutrients and minerals today than in the the past. ^{1 2}  Why?  Poor farming practices is one possible explanation. ² Checmicals and pesticides do not help matters, disrupting the natural ecosystem that is in place. ¹  Poor soils affect the entire food chain. ³  For more information you can read about Senate Document 264.

When examining the second question, the answer for most people (especially in Western Civilization) is probably no.  We do not eat the quality and variety of food necessary to maintain health.  Why is it so difficult to get the trace minerals we need for health and vitality through diet alone?

1. We eat too much of the same food.  Variety is important when it comes to getting a broad spectrum of minerals in the diet. ⁴
2. We eat too much processed food.  Processed foods are conveinent, but often have a much lower mineral content when compared to whole foods. ⁵

So how can a person avoid mineral deficiencies?

1. Eat a wide variety of unprocessed whole foods.
2. Take a trace mineral supplement for extra insurance.

Aging and Minerals >

Sources:

1. Nutrient Depletion in Soil Leads to Poor Health. Andrew Kryzak. Ezine Articles. http://ezinearticles.com/?Nutrient-Depletion-in-Soil-Leads-to-Poor-Health&id=314089
2. Minerals. Alternative-Medicine-and-Health.com.
   http://alternative-medicine-and-health.com/minerals/minerals.htm
3. Senate Document 264. United States Senate. http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/modernmiraclemen.pdf
4. Eat a Variety of Foods. United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dga/dga95/variety.html
5. Dirty Secrets of the Food Processing Industry. Sally Fallon. Weston A. Price Foundation.
   http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/dirty-secrets.html