Eating with the season in support of whole health
Though it may seem like a more recent trend here in America, prioritizing seasonal, locally-grown food is a pattern people have embraced around the globe throughout history.
According to the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, eating fruits and vegetables during their normal growth time not only connects people to the rhythm of the seasons; it acts as a cornerstone to abundant overall health.
“Seasonal eating means two things, really: building meals around foods that have just been harvested at their peak and adjusting your diet to meet the particular health challenges of winter, spring, summer and fall,” the clinic said. “While it may seem like a luxury to have any food we want, anytime we want it, eating foods in season offers so many benefits.”
Some benefits of eating with the season include:
Saving money. Prices for seasonal produce are generally lower because, simply - economics. As the product becomes more readily available it helps to organically (pun intended) reduce the cost of the item.
Added nutritional value. Produce chosen during its natural season ensures peak nutritional value; which increases the closer to its harvest time that it can be consumed, hence the importance of eating foods that are locally-sourced.
"Often that ‘fresh’ produce you’re buying has traveled days or weeks on its journey from far-away harvest to the store near you. And that means it (has) been harvested before it hit that important nutritional peak.” -Tabitha Alterman, Mother Earth Living
Reduced chemical exposure. Buying produce seasonally can eliminate exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides, chemicals, waxes and preservatives; used in excess when produce is grown outside of its natural season.
Supporting the local economy. Eating seasonally helps the local economy by supporting small farms, markets, and chefs that celebrate the benefits of local, seasonal produce.
Summer fruits and veggies to add to your wellness arsenal:
Kale
Apricots
Green beans
Berries
Asparagus
Bell peppers
Radishes
Beets
Lemons and limes
Tomatoes
Celery
Eggplant
Zucchini and summer squash
Okra
Plums
Bonus features to support our wellness during the season...you love 'em, we've got 'em!
Try this summer-celebrating Chopped Thai Chickpea Salad recipe on for size!
And some other suggestions for staying healthy through summer.
By Sam Jump
