Buying local food benefits you and our farmers
DR LIBBY WEAVER
Have you ever stopped to think about where your food comes from – how far away it was grown, how long ago it was harvested, and how it was stored before it ended up in your shopping trolley?
We are incredibly fortunate in the Western world to have access to a huge variety of foods that we don’t have to grow, harvest or hunt ourselves, but this doesn’t mean we should never spare a thought for how our food gets from paddock to plate.
It seems that as individuals, we are becoming increasingly disconnected from our food.
When all we see are displays of perfectly-shaped fruits and vegetables, with little information readily available about the processes involved in getting them there, it can be difficult to appreciate the role that we, as consumers, play in our food system.
But we have more power than you might think – our purchases communicate to food producers and manufacturers what we want, expect and value.
Please know that I raise this neither to elicit guilt nor to make a political statement, but because I think it’s important that we all ask more questions.
Questions about where our food comes from and how it is produced, because this affects our health, our family’s health and the health of our planet.
And without health we have nothing.
I’m passionate about increasing nutrient intake and the benefits that has on your health.
But I’m also incredibly passionate about sustainability and the impact that we all have on our planet and its inhabitants. Buying local can benefit both. Here’s how:
Fresher produce means more nutritious produce
As fruit and vegetables age, nutrient content declines, so the longer produce sits in a cold store the less nutrients it will contain when it finally reaches your plate. Not to mention the nutrients that are lost when foods are flown internationally.
Produce just tastes better when it has been ripened by the sun and then picked/cut. This is an easy way to increase the flavour and nutrient density of your food. Shop at your local farmers’ markets for fresh, nutrient-rich foods.
Eating seasonally
Rather than sticking to the same few types of fruits and vegetables year-round, try eating seasonally. This will likely mean less food miles – meaning your food won’t have to travel as far to get to you – as you won’t be buying foods that are in season on the other side of the world. It can also be very budget friendly, as seasonal produce tends to be cheaper.
Eating seasonally can also help to introduce more variety into your way of eating, which is really important to ensure you get a good spread of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (beneficial plant chemicals). If you’re eating the same three vegetables over and over again, you might be missing out on the wonderful nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals in other types of veges, not to mention their different flavours.
Supporting local farmers
The farmers who grow our food with care, supporting the health of the soil, need our support. Shopping at farmers’ markets allows you to buy local, get to know your farmers, find out how they tend to the food you buy and you can thank them for their hard work.
Without their care and efforts, it is impossible for us to have great health. It seems crazy to me that most people know the name of their doctor but not the names of their farmers. Shopping at local farmers’ markets can also be a great way to help your children learn about real whole foods and where they come from.
Dr Libby is a nutritional biochemist, best-selling author and speaker. The advice contained in this column is not intended to be a substitute for direct, personalised advice from a health professional. See Dr Libby live during her upcoming ‘What Am I Supposed To Eat?’ tour throughout New Zealand. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit drlibby.com