Why Nutrient-Rich Food is Essential for Our Health and the Planet

Co-Authored by Karen Simons, Bedford 2030 Board Member, and Mariah Okrongly, Bedford 2030 Executive Director

Eating fruit and vegetables is a great way to protect your health—if your food is grown in nutrient-rich soil. Food grown in soil doused with fossil fuel-derived fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides (labeled “conventional”) is significantly less nutrient-dense than plants grown regeneratively. Regenerative Organic farming prioritizes soil and plant health by utilizing crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and forgoing the use of harmful chemicals.

Healthy soil means healthy food and healthy humans, but healthy soil does something else that is really cool—it sequesters (aka captures) carbon. Carbon gets a bad rap as the fall guy for climate change, but it’s not that carbon is bad; it’s just in the wrong place (the atmosphere). Carbon is the building block of all living things, and we want it in our soil, nourishing our food, as well as pulling it out of the atmosphere, thus contributing to the climate solution.

Top 4 Reasons to Buy Food From Regenerative Organic Farms

1. Improved Health & Vitality

Leafy greens, berries, and whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and boost immunity. Eating nutrient-dense foods fuels your body with high-quality energy. They also help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular issues. You won’t get those benefits from nutrient-depleted foods. Eating nutrient-packed foods improves cognitive function, boosts stamina, and supports healthy aging by providing the essential nutrients your body needs.

Pro Tip: Choose produce that is firm to the touch and smells fresh—this usually indicates it’s at its nutritional peak—and opt for nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for optimal health and longevity.

2. Healthy Soil

Soil rich in organic matter, minerals, and beneficial organisms (aka “nutrient recyclers” such as worms, bacteria, fungi, and insects) supports plant growth and ensures the food is nutrient-dense. It also retains water, reduces erosion, and helps sequester carbon—a significant benefit as the weather becomes more unpredictable due to climate change. Depleted soil means depleted plants and depleted human health.

Pro Tip: Look for organic or regenerative certifications, as these farming practices focus on building soil health. Supporting local farmers using these methods can help sustain healthy food systems and promote biodiversity.

3. Climate Impact

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in “conventional” farming cause a slew of environmental and human health issues. These chemicals used in farming cause reduced soil health, leading to lower-nutrient crops, greater risk of flooding, increased chemical exposure for humans and animals, higher carbon levels in the atmosphere, and polluted water sources (backyard wells, reservoirs, lakes, streams, and oceans).

It’s important to recognize the environmental impact of animal and seafood farming. Poultry and pork have a moderate climate impact, whereas beef and lamb rank among the highest carbon-emitting proteins due to the resources required to raise them conventionally. However, 100% grass-fed, rotationally grazed, and locally produced beef has a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional beef, making it a more environmentally-friendly option for meat eaters. Seafood can vary widely: sustainably farmed fish and small wild-caught species are better options, while overfished or high-impact farmed seafood should be limited.

Pro Tip: Plant-based proteins—like beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts—tend to have the lowest carbon footprint while providing high-quality nutrients. When choosing animal proteins, look for sustainably raised options and consider reducing portion sizes to balance health and planet impact.

4. Farmers' Health

We can’t discuss the impact of pollution on consumer health without mentioning its effects on the humans who grow and pick our crops. They are the frontline food workers, and if their farms use harmful chemicals during production, these people are at risk for various health issues. Whenever possible, choose Regenerative Organic to support healthy farming practices for farmers and your family.

3 Powerful Actions to Boost Human Health & Nutrition

1. Shop at Regenerative Organic Farms

By focusing on nutrient-rich food produced regeneratively, you’re not just improving your health but also supporting a food system that prioritizes sustainability and vitality. When shopping, keep these tips in mind to make choices that nourish both your body and the planet. For nutritional value, it’s better to buy organic and regenerative produce (even if it’s not local) than conventional produce.

2. Eat in Season & Locally

Prioritize fresh, in-season produce from farmers’ markets or local sources whenever possible, where you can verify the production method. Ask the farmer about their growing method—they love talking about their products! Locally grown means lower food transportation pollution. Healthy farms, food, bodies, and community—it’s all connected.

3. Healthy Landscaping

Ensuring your backyard has healthy soil and plants enhances the health of your family, especially if you’re considering growing your own food (talk about eating locally!) Bedford 2030’s Rooted Solutions Coaches offer complementary visits to your land to teach you how to reduce pesticide and fossil-fuel pollution, increase pollinator habitats, remove invasive species, and create healthy soil for growing healthy plants.