Health Hype of Local, Seasonal, and Traditional Foods
- Vishrutha Thulasiram
- Jan 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Truth or Myth
It’s the season of harvest festivals right now in India. Every region celebrates the start of spring and fresh harvest with different traditions and rituals. Each region has its own name for the festival too – Bhogi, Makara Sankranti, Vishu, Pongal and Baisakhi, to name a few.
What my family traditionally eats for Makara Sankranti✨
In the Southern State of Karnataka where I come from, we celebrate – Makara Sankranti. Traditionally farming communities would clean up and decorate their granaries, barns and their barn animals (with special attention given to cows) with sugarcane stems. Some would even tie garlands of flowers and food around the necks of the cows in celebration. Some communities fly kites, others adorn their houses with colorful rangoli✨✨. But what is the main underlying purpose of this festival?
From what I have gathered, it is to 1. Be grateful for everything that you have and for the upcoming spring season (vasanth rithu – typically when crops are harvested and new saplings are prepared for the next crop season); 2. Give thanks to Mother Nature for giving us food that sustains us; 3. Connect with each other within the community and have fun and MOST IMPORTANTLY 4. Embrace and reconnect with local, seasonal foods!
It’s probably no surprise to you that in today’s world, where convenience often beats mindful eating, the importance of local, seasonal, and traditional foods is often overlooked. In these fast-paced times it’s easy to forget the cultural significance and the wide range of health benefits that local, seasonal and traditional foods provide. For me personally, the freshness and sheer variety of all the different seasonal foods is reason enough to believe that the hype is true and accurate. But if you are still not convinced then I am hoping that this blog will convince you to try out the local, seasonal, traditional foods of the region where you reside. Read along if you’re ready to be convinced⬇️
1. Nutrient Density:
Local, seasonal foods are often harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring maximum nutrient density. Traditional varieties of fruits, vegetables, and grains are adapted to local climates, providing an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Optimal Freshness:
Locally sourced foods have a shorter travel distance from farm to plate, ensuring freshness and minimizing nutrient loss. This contrasts with the often-long journeys that non-local, out-of-season produce takes, leading to diminished nutritional value.
3. Seasonal Adaptation:
Our bodies have an innate connection to the seasons. Consuming foods in harmony with the natural cycles ensures that our nutritional needs align with seasonal changes. For instance, the abundance of citrus fruits in winter provides a vitamin C boost, fortifying the immune system.
4. Preservation of Culinary Heritage:
Traditional foods often carry generations of wisdom about preparation and consumption. These foods are not only culturally significant but may also have unique health-promoting properties specific to certain communities.
5. Environmental Impact:
Choosing local and seasonal options is an eco-friendly choice. It reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and supports sustainable farming practices, contributing to the overall health of our planet.
6. Balanced Microbiome:
Traditional diets are often diverse and rich in fermented foods, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome is linked to improved digestion, strengthened immunity, and even mental well-being.
7. Less Dependence on Additives:
Local and traditional foods are less likely to be heavily processed or laden with preservatives and additives. This means fewer hidden chemicals in your diet and a focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients.
In a world full of crazy dietary trends and globalized food choices, the wisdom of embracing local, seasonal, and traditional foods becomes increasingly essential and necessary. These foods not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also offer an abundance of health benefits. As we strive for a balanced and nourishing diet, let us not forget the wealth of goodness that lies in the roots of our local, seasonal, and traditional food choices.
Until next time, lets #growwiththeflow🌈
xVishrutha🌻
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