Shop the Garden for Your “Wearables”
Shop the Garden for Your “Wearables”
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but have you ever heard the phrase, “You wear your food, every day.”
It’s true that we spend much time and energy choosing our clothing and accessories, but most likely give little thought to how the food that we eat “clothes” us.
Think about it. The nutrients from true foods provide the vitamin, mineral, fiber, water, enzyme (the body’s “spark-plugs”), anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that support healthy skin, bones, internal organs, eyes, hair and nails, blood and muscle as well as strength, vitality, endurance, alertness, balance, good posture and much more!
It’s been proven that man-made, “food-like-edible-substances” do not support an energetic life, and a devitalized appearance will soon show on our outer frame. The post World War II era contributed to dietary disaster with new and convenient––but nutrient deficient––refined carbohydrate foods.
I’ve openly shared my thoughts on “fake foods” but now I share my concern about freshly grown produce. Modern farming practices affect much of the field grown, should-be-healthy foods causing them to mature devoid of the nutrients they produced just a few decades ago. The USDA gives nutritional values for these foods which show a nutrient decline since 1975:
• Apples: Vitamin A is down 41%
• Sweet peppers: Vitamin C is down 31%
• Broccoli: Calcium and Vitamin A are down 50%
• Cauliflower: Vitamin C is down 45%, Vitamin B1 is down 48%, and Vitamin B2 is down 47%
• Collard greens: Vitamin A is down 45%, Potassium is down 60%, and Magnesium is down 85%
The technology used by commercial farms, coupled with powerful chemical additives reduce and/or eliminate the healthy organisms in the soil that support nutrient development and presence. Additionally, the mounting number of genetically modified seeds contribute to numerous hybrid plants that test nearly 50% lower in minerals. These new-to-nature-molecules often come with multiple side effects that have only recently become studied and acknowledged.
Farmers Market season will soon begin and this is exciting for those of us who want to “wear our food well.” Most of the contributors to these markets are small, local, family-owned and operated farms. Many still use healthier farming practices that produce foods higher in nutrient values.
I’m impressed with the growing number of urban farms that often offer neighbor-hood plots so that you may grown your own produce. This opportunity allows each gardener to plant what they will consume with cleaner soils and seeds insuring a cleaner, more nutrient dense crop. That means healthier food for the consumer. If there’s a garden opportunity near you, please check it out. Your body wants to wear well. Savor the Season!
Try these Spring and Early Summer fresh herb recipes:
Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
Yields 1-1/4 Cups
1 Cup (packed) cilantro
1/2 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 Cup fresh lime juice
1/4 Cup fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp. each, salt and freshly ground pepper
Pinch of minced garlic
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until well blended and creamy
Use as a salad dressing or a raw-veggie dip.
Lemon and Herb Butter
1/2 lb. sweet butter
1 Tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. dry marjoram
1/2 tsp. dry basil
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
In a medium sized mixing bowl, soften butter at room temperature. Add all other ingredients and mix well.
Press softened herb butter into molds, if desired, and refrigerate until firm.