Kiwis, Australian apples, flax seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, and many other expensive, exotic foods procured from global markets are the 'in' thing of today. But i strongly feel that there is no need to take food to this extent.
Food should be seasonal, fresh and local. That is power food and will supply you with the nutrients your body requires staying in that surroundings that you are. The advantages of eating locally are:
- It is less expensive. (one kg of cauliflower costs Rs 40 as against Rs 120 for a kg of broccoli)
- It caters to the rhythms of our body which changes according to seasons. For eg spinach is fresh, healthy & less worm-infested
- It provides nutrients needed for us in that particular season and also boosts immunity. For eg karelas (bitter gourd) available in monsoon protects us from many monsoon related illnesses
- You leave behind a smaller carbon footprint (think of how many miles your food has travelled the next time you sit to eat. The farther it has the more has been the use of already depleting world resources)
- There is always a question of freshness, aliveness in a food eaten fresh from farm and 'fresh' from cold storage.
- We have an incredible variety to chose from every season!!!
You can also refer to this article about seasonal foods and their benefits.
So eat in season for a reason. Eat local, think global. And be healthy.
2 comments:
Yes Salomi,
You are absolutely correct here about locally available seasonal food.
Eating locally availble seasonal food is again being with nature, accepting nature as it is.
you are right.
All seasonal fruits and vegetables are also equipped to build up our immune system also for that particular season.
Broccoli,Kiwis and other exotic fruits and vegetables you mentioned are surely replacable with local products.
Just as simple peanuts and grams are as good as expensive nuts like cashews, almonds,Hazels etc.In fact Peanuts, grams and jaggery can be very nutricious combination.
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