Shopping @ Local Farmers Market | for your health & The Health Of the Planet

Nutrition

May 8

I am passionate about spending money in ways that support your health, local community, and the environment. The rise of industrial farming came with the rise of disease and obesity present in the US today. Large commercial farms are harmful to the health of our bodies and the environment in so many ways.

Industrial farming practices such as Mono-cropping, low-quality animal feed, poor animal conditions, unhealthy soil, and use of chemicals and pesticides all contribute to vitamin and mineral lacking food and a large environmental burden. Animals and farms practicing a biodynamic approach to farming not only greatly contribute to the health of our bodies but the health of the environment as well.

WHAT IS: Biodynamic Farming

Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that seeks to create a closed-loop system that is self-sustaining and in harmony with the natural world. This farming method involves using natural preparations, such as compost, herbal teas, and biodynamic preparations, to enhance soil health and promote biodiversity. Biodynamic farming also emphasizes crop rotation and planting crops in accordance with the lunar cycle. By prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and the lunar cycle, biodynamic farming can benefit the planet in several ways. It can help reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biodynamic farming can also promote biodiversity and support the health of local ecosystems. Overall, biodynamic farming is a sustainable and regenerative farming method that can help protect the planet and support a more resilient food system.

BIODIVERSITY IN THE SOIL MEANS BIODIVERSITY IN OUR GUT

Biodiverse soil is soil that contains a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, that work together to support plant growth and soil health. When plants grow in biodiverse soil, they take up nutrients and other beneficial compounds from the soil that can promote gut health when consumed. In addition, the diverse array of microorganisms present in biodiverse soil can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Research has shown that a diverse gut microbiome is associated with better health outcomes, while a less diverse microbiome has been linked to a range of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. By promoting biodiversity in soil, we can help create a healthier food system that supports both plant and human health.

SHOPPING LOCAL

When we choose to shop local and support local farms, we are supporting a more diverse ecosystem, contributing to our own health, and contributing to our society in so many ways.

Head to your local farmers market and speak with the farmers- ask them what kind of farming practices they use, and support the farmers who are working toward not only organic but biodynamic practices. Buying local will have so many benefits on your health, your wallet, and the health of our planet. There are so many ways supporting local farmers is supportive read below to hear just a few!

GUT HEALTH:

Freshness: Local produce is often picked at the peak of ripeness. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients and fiber, which can promote gut health.
Diversity: Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables from local sources can help promote a diverse gut microbiome. The microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and help with digestion and immune function. Studies have shown that a diverse microbiome is associated with better gut health.
Reduced exposure to harmful substances: Local produce is often grown using fewer pesticides and other chemicals than produce that has been transported long distances. Reducing exposure to these substances may help promote gut health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Seasonal availability: Eating seasonal produce can help promote a diverse microbiome by exposing the gut to different types of fibers and nutrients throughout the year. In addition, seasonal produce is often less expensive and more readily available, which can make it easier to incorporate into a healthy diet.

HORMONE HEALTH

Phytoestrogens: Many local fruits and vegetables contain phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens may help balance hormone levels in women, which can help reduce the risk of hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and hot flashes.
Fiber: Local fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. This is important for hormone health because the liver uses the bowel to eliminate excess hormones from the body.
Antioxidants: Local produce is often high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to the development of hormone-related conditions.
Pesticides: Eating local produce can help reduce exposure to pesticides, which can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to the development of hormone-related conditions.
Seasonal availability: Eating seasonal produce can help promote a diverse diet and provide a range of nutrients that support hormone health. Seasonal produce is also often less expensive and more readily available, making it easier to incorporate into a healthy diet.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Reduced carbon footprint: Locally sourced produce requires less transportation, which means less fuel is needed to transport the produce to its destination. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Supports local agriculture: By purchasing fresh produce from local farmers, you are supporting the local agriculture industry. This helps to maintain farmland and open space, and can contribute to the preservation of local ecosystems.
Reduced packaging waste: Fresh produce is often sold without excess packaging, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This can also help reduce the amount of energy required to produce and transport packaging materials.
Seasonal availability: Eating fresh, seasonal produce can help reduce the demand for out-of-season produce that has to be shipped from far away. This reduces the energy and resources required to grow, transport, and store the produce.
Promotes biodiversity: Supporting local farmers who grow a variety of crops can help promote biodiversity in local ecosystems. This can help support the health of local ecosystems and reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests or disease.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

studies have shown that fostering a sense of community is an important part of mental and physical health. Geting outside for extra vitamin D, adding some steps in, and engaging with local farmers and other shoppers is fun and promotes a sense of community!

COST SAVINGS:

While shopping at the farmers market may seem more expensive than the supermarket- you are actually saving money in the long run.

Better value for money: Local produce is often fresher and of higher quality than produce that has been transported from far away. This means that you get better value for your money, as the produce lasts longer and tastes better.
Supporting small buisness and buying local produce is a way to help prevent future disease. It is a form of preventative medicine - which can be way less expensive than buying fast or processed food now and paying for it later in medical expenses.