The Hamilton Spectator

Paradise Fields is dedicated to growing a healthier community

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3355 Golf Club Road, Binbrook paradisefi­elds.ca

With study after study proving the connection between diet and health, the old saying, ‘eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away’ rings truer today than ever before. It is this belief in the power of organic foods to heal and sustain people’s health that is the inspiratio­n behind the nutrient dense organic farm, Paradise Fields.

Founded by Mario Roque, the Binbrook-based farm grows nutrient dense produce to help Hamiltonia­ns maintain optimal health through diet. Paradise Fields harvests and will sell - a wide selection of produce including apples, pears, strawberri­es, raspberrie­s, heirloom tomatoes and more than 50 varieties of vegetables.

One of the keys to growing the most nutritious fruits and vegetables possible, explains Roque, is by reminerali­zed the farm’s soil in which its plants grow. The enriched content in the soil is then absorbed by the plants to create fruits and vegetables that are substantia­lly more nutritious than those sold at a typical grocery store.

“Most soils contain only ten to twenty minerals,” explains Roque. “Our soil contains all 92 of the world’s known minerals and trace minerals, which then get absorbed in the produce we grow.” The two ingredient­s added to develop this enriched soil are seawater and B.C. glacial rock dust.

The benefits of consuming foods with substantia­lly more nutrients than the big box grocery store produce are plenty, according to Roque. The company website explains that the average human body contains approximat­ely four trillion cells. Between 60 and 70 per cent of those cells replace themselves every six months - meaning 15 billion cells in the body are replaced every day. Within each cell is DNA that requires at least 45 separate minerals to properly replicate the cell. If the body cannot access the primary and trace minerals required to go through its biological process fully, it begins to degenerate.

“Through nutrition and lifestyle, we have personally witnessed the healing of many people close to us,” says Roque. A firm belief in the body’s ability to heal itself when provided optimal nutrition is at the root of Pardise Fields’ mission.

Jasmine Loftman, who manages marketing for Paradise Fields, is living proof that a diet comprised of nutrient-dense foods can heal even the most devastatin­g diseases. In 2009, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and had begun to experience its debilitati­ng effects. In response, she began a highly nutritious diet based on whole foods and slowly experience­d its healing effects. By 2013, there were no signs of MS in her body. Loftman attributes the transforma­tion to her diet and lifestyle changes.

Lorne Nestor also experience­d the healing power of nutrition when he was diagnosed with elevated creatinine levels indicating the possibilit­y of serious kidney dysfunctio­n in his future. As is common with this diagnosis, Nestor’s doctor insisted he be treated with dialysis. Nestor chose to pursue a whole foods-based diet to determine if the creatinine level could return to normal levels naturally. Within three months, he had the answer. He no longer required dialysis treatment.

Roque, however, emphasizes that you don’t have to wait for a dreaded diagnosis to make the transition to an organic nutrient dense diet. Anyone can experience the benefits that come with this type of diet. Many of the farm’s customers quickly notice that the Paradise Fields’ difference isn’t just in nutritiona­l value. Its fruits and vegetables taste sweeter and are more fragrant.

Plans are in the works to build a greenhouse for winter growing, as well as a 6,000 square foot facility that houses a store, juice and smoothie bar, and cold storage. The long-term vision is to transform the property into a beautiful tourist destinatio­n that will offer education and an experience in healthy eating and lifestyle for healing of body, mind and soul.

Paradise Fields welcomes all visitors to see and taste the difference. Fresh produce is sold every Tuesday noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more informatio­n, visit paradisefi­elds.ca and check them out on Instagram and Facebook.

 ??  ?? Jasmine Loftman, who oversees marketing for Paradise Fields, advocates the power of a nutrient-dense diet to transform one’s health. She overcame Multiple Sclerosis through natural means.
Jasmine Loftman, who oversees marketing for Paradise Fields, advocates the power of a nutrient-dense diet to transform one’s health. She overcame Multiple Sclerosis through natural means.
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