Agro Health

This project aims to find out if eating foods grown using regenerative farming methods is healthier than eating foods from regular farming. With growing concerns about how farming affects human and environmental health, more farmers are looking for ways to improve health starting from the soil. One promising way is by using agro-ecological practices, which means farming in harmony with nature. This includes techniques like growing multiple crops together, rotating crops and animals, and using other natural farming systems.

When done correctly, these practices can make the soil healthier, improve nutrient recycling, and increase biodiversity both above and below the ground. However, we don’t know enough about whether eating foods from these systems is better for human health. Without this knowledge, it’s hard to convince more farmers to adopt these methods, as the demand for such healthy foods depends on whether they truly benefit human health.

As the director of the Center for Human Nutrition Studies at Utah State University, Dr. van Vliet leads research projects investigating how sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, impact the nutritional quality of foods and, consequently, human health. His work involves collaborating with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural scientists to study these critical linkages and to promote healthier food production methods.

As the founder of Precise Health Solutions, Carla Heiser, MS LDN FAAMFM ABAAHP is an integrative medical and advanced nutrition private practice. The organization emphasizes personalized care and innovative treatments, ensuring patients receive the best possible outcomes.

By combining expertise, Dr. van Vliet and Carla Heiser  aim to develop and implement nutrition plans that are scientifically sound and tailored to individual needs. This collaboration can lead to:

• Improved Nutritional Quality: Promoting regenerative agricultural practices can enhance the nutrient content of foods, making them healthier for consumers.
• Public Health Benefits: Their work, which focuses on nutrient-rich diets, can help reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and improve overall public health.
• Education and Advocacy: Their combined efforts can raise awareness about the importance of sustainable farming and its benefits, encouraging more people to adopt healthier eating habits.

This collaboration could drive significant advancements in food and nutrition science, ultimately leading to healthier communities and a more sustainable food system.

Dr. Stephan van Vliet's journey into merging farming, food, and health began with his personal interests in both fitness and nutrition. During his teens, he developed a passion for weightlifting, which naturally led him to explore nutrition for athletic performance1. Over time, his interest expanded to include general health and sustainable farming practices.

Dr. van Vliet pursued formal education in these areas, earning a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and additional training at prestigious institutions like Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine and Duke University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the connections between agricultural production methods, the nutrient content of food, and human health1.