May 2023
It's fall here in Qld and with it a change of season. Should you change the way you eat as well?
And what do you think about Seasonal Eating to support Sustainable living? Buying /eating only fruit and vegetables which are harvested in this season from local or farmers here in Qld.
I personally grew up in the country and seasonal eating was not a question it was just a way of living being raised on the food we grew.
But things have changed, we can get any food from anywhere in the world at just about any time of the year. So I decided to tell you a bit more about the benefit of
Eating Seasonal (ES)
* E S provides more nutrients for your health. Our food supply should ideally change with the season as do our hormones and habits; and they are beautiful interconnected. When produce is harvest in season its given the ability to ripen and come to its full nutritional potential.
* ES improves your gut health.
The soil and the human gut contain approximately the same number of active microorganisms., but the average human gut microbiome is only 10% as diverse as that of soil. The diversity of human gut bacteria decreased as we transitioned from a hunter-gatherer society to and urbanized one. If we eat in season food is more nutrient rich, has higher levels of vitamins and minerals and helps enhance our gut microbiome diversity.
- Seasonal produce has more intense flavor. The closer we consume our food from the source - the more flavor. ( have you ever picked fresh strawberries -you know what I am talking about same with tomatoes and everything else.
- E S supports our local community and farmers and saves you money. Produce we buy in the supermarket is harvested before it was ripe and therefore has not its full nutrient content. Additionally, the quality and freshness of in season are better than out of season produce. Demand for certain crops is high all year round, they are modified to grow in bulk and to resist disease, but these modifications carry health risk and take away some nutritional benefits.
- E S is better for the Environment.
Petrol and fuel are saved when it comes from local suppliers. Plastics and packaging materials are reduced.
The greenhouses that grow out of season produce require more energy and therefore are a larger carbon footprint.
Last not least all about Apples and Pears.
I bet you heard the saying: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. You may be surprised but apples are a Fall fruit since they are available in stores throughout the year. The truth is apples have a season and are typically harvested from late summer until fall. (My child hood memory)
Health benefits of eating Apples
- Rich in Antioxidant, Fiber, Phytonutrients
- Helping to reduce risk of cardio vascular disease, cancer and asthma
- May improve the cognitive decline of normal aging, diabetes, weight management and bone health.
Health benefits of Pears
- High in Folate, vitamin C, Copper, Potassium, Polyphenol Antioxidant
Supports: cellular function, Energy production, promotes healthy skin and wound healing, supports healthy immune system, Aids nerve and heart function.
Your Body and the Environment will thank you