As humans, we are built to thrive on change and have done so for thousands of years. We previously had to adapt to changes in light, temperature and food availability in the interest of survival. But today it is SO easy to become desensitised to the ups, downs and seasonal changes of nature, with year round food accessibility. Becoming more aware of and adapting to seasonal change is a great way to get back in touch with nature and it has so many health benefits too.
Better quality food - Seasonal fruit and veg are picked when they are ripe, have more flavour and are peeking with nutrition. Unseasonal produce is harvested early so that it doesn't spoil during transport. At their destination they are often heated in a hot house to artificially ripen and are then preserved in wax.
Reduces exposure to contaminants - We can never really be sure of contaminant regulations and soil quality from overseas produce. It might contain harmful pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that we've never been exposed to before.
Supports the body's nutritional requirements - In Winter, citrus fruits are ripe and high in vitamin C to support our immune system. In Summer, stone fruits are ripe with beta-carotene which helps to protect our skin from sun damage. The earth knows what we need!
Increased microbiome diversity - Changing what we eat as the seasons change, exposes us to a more diverse variety of bacteria. The more diverse your microbiome is (the colony of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract) the better your digestion and assimilation of nutrients, immune system function, mental health and cognition will be. A recent study found that diets including 30+ different types of fruit and veg per week are associated with a more diverse microbiome. I’m definitely guilty of reaching for a daily banana but that’s not good enough for me and my gut bugs anymore.
30 different fruit and veg does not sound like the easiest feat but if you start small by adding something new here and there, you might just find your new favourite food! Try adding 1 new fruit and 1 new vegetable to your grocery haul this week and find some inventive ways to work them into your meals...
Blend a veggie into your smoothie (zucchini, spinach, steamed pumpkin/sweet potato/beetroot), snack on chopped carrots/cucumber/capsicum with hummus or swap dessert for a new and exciting tropical fruit like pineapple, kiwi fruit or papaya with a drizzle of honey.
Embrace the cherries and silverbeet of Spring and let me know how you go
xx
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