Farmers' Markets, Community Supported Agriculture, and purchasing from local farms have become an upward trend in the last few years, and rightfully so. As a Holistic Nutritionist and Wellness Coach, if I could recommend ONE diet change before anything else, it would be to eat locally. Not only is it better for your health to eat local, organic, and pesticide-free foods, it is also better for the environment. You have a larger variety of seasonal foods to choose from, it aids your local economy and puts money back into small businesses and farms, it strengthens community connections, and of course, the food is just fresher and tastes better!
Let's dig in a little more, shall we?
Better for your health
Why is eating locally better for your health? Local food is allowed to ripen at a normal pace; compared to food that travels long distances which are picked before it is ripe so that it will last longer. Because of this, local produce is usually richer in nutrients. Shockingly, produce, such as bananas, tomatoes, and pears are often picked early and unripe, and then artificially ripened when arriving at their destination. Ethylene gas is used to artificially ripen produce, which is an incredibly dangerous toxin.
Because small farms must grow based on their zone and state, growing seasonal produce is the most common. Eating within the season has been shown to be healthier for us. Researchers at Montclair University studied the vitamin C content of broccoli grown locally and in season compared to imported and out-of-season broccoli; the latter had only half of the vitamin C content.
Eating seasonally has also been shown to be beneficial for the health of our gut microbiome. In a Stanford University study, members of the Tanzanian Hadza tribe had dramatic changes in their microbes each season, which were in sync with seasonal dietary changes. According to the study, "certain microbes in the gut one season may almost disappear the next, suggesting dramatic microbiome changes take place seasonally. Researchers concluded that the Hadza tribe's gut microbes and digestion are cyclical, in sync with the precise biorhythm of nature. The Hadza microbiome has more enzymes for breaking down animal-based carbohydrates during the dry season, and more enzymes targeting plant-based carbohydrates in the wet season. Microbes in the digestive system manufacture enzymes that change seasonally. They do so to help the digestion of seasonal foods, as well as to boost immunity in winter, decongest the body in springs, and dissipate heat during the long, hot summer. For the Hadza people, combining a higher-fiber and seasonally changing diet (from dry-season hunting to wet-season foraging) has left them seemingly free of colon cancer, colitis, and Crohn's disease."
Lastly, when searching for locally grown produce, you'll notice that many small farmers do not use pesticides on their produce, and some may even be certified organic. And even if the farm is not certified organic, small farmers tend to use fewer chemicals than industrialized farms, which is a benefit on many different levels (environmental and physical).
Better for the environment
According to researchers at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, eating locally reduces CO2 emissions by reducing the number of miles our food travels. Average produce in the U.S. travels around 1,500 miles, while local foods may only travel a maximum of 100 miles. Because of this, purchasing local foods reduces our greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to improving our carbon footprint.
Local farmers also help preserve the green space in our areas and are usually compensated for being a farmer with grants and tax exemptions, so they are less likely to sell their land to investors and developers.
Access to more variety
Many industrialized farms are single-crop growers, whereas smaller farmers usually grow a variety of seasonal produce. Many times, these farmers are growing heirloom varieties, as well. Just like the importance of seasonal food on our microbiome, a variety of foods is vital to a healthy and happy microbiome!
Aids your local economy, community, and connection
Over the last few years, "supporting local" has become a trend around the world, and with good reason. When you support your local farms and vendors, you are supporting your local economy. Online shopping has become the new norm, making it hard for small businesses to boom the way they once did. Supporting local farmers also gives you the ability to get to know your farmers and where your food comes from and even gives you opportunities to volunteer at local farmer's markets or CSA. When we say that it boosts the local economy, it's more than just monetary – it also builds human connections, which have sadly deteriorated in this technology-driven world.
So, how can we find local farms to support?
The easiest and best way to get to know your local farmers is to check out local farmer's markets in your area. The neat thing about farmer's markets is that they are usually not limited to just produce and food products; you'll get to meet local vendors who make soaps, clothing, baked goods, dog treats, and so much more.
Your local grocery stores and supermarkets sometimes have tags that indicate if the item you are purchasing is from a local business or farm, making it an easy way to support locally!
Questions?
Finding what you need when you are new to this journey can be a bit overwhelming, so if you have any questions, you can reach out to me anytime for guidance! And I'd love to hear what steps you have taken to support local farms, eat healthier and reduce your impact on our planet!
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