Soil-Driven Nutrition: The Role of Regenerative Agricultural Practices in Modulating Seasonal Bioactive Compound Availability and Public Health Outcomes

Abstract

This study examines the role of regenerative agriculture (RA) in altering the seasonal availability of bioactive compounds in food and explores its implications for chronic disease prevention. Drawing on comparative analyses from peer-reviewed literature, the paper synthesizes evidence on how RA practices—such as cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage—enhance soil health and microbial diversity, thereby stabilizing nutrient cycling and increasing the concentration of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Findings suggest that RA-grown crops exhibit greater seasonal consistency in nutrient density and higher overall levels of antioxidants and essential micronutrients when compared to those produced under conventional agricultural systems. These nutritional gains are associated with reduced systemic inflammation and may lower the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While RA shows promise for improving food quality and public health, challenges remain in ensuring consistent year-round access to nutrient-rich produce. The paper concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing future directions focused on dietary health outcomes, climate resilience, and the scalability of RA within diverse food systems.