Thursday, October 26, 2017

Healthy Food Choices


In an article written by Kristin Olhson titled, “6 Ways to Find Food From Good Soil”, she discusses the importance of soil health. She suggests buying organic food whenever possible. This helps protect the consumer from ingesting pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, GMO crops, and even antibiotics that are used in meat. Organic food growth can help increase the health of nutrients in the soil. If you are able to speak with the farmer where your food is coming from, there are a few questions to ask to inquire about the health of their soil. These questions include: “Do you practice no-till agriculture? Do you use synthetic fertilizer and killing chemicals? If so, how often? How does your farm promote biodiversity? Are there animals on the farm? Do you live on the farm?” These questions can help give you insight into the health of the soil and produce. If farmers are living on the land they farm, they are more likely to take care of the soil. 

It is critical to not only use your eyes to choose produce to buy but also using your sense of smell can give you insight into the health of soil. Plants that have strong scents can indicate phytonutrient levels, which can provide medicinal qualities. Speaking of using your eyes to choose produce, it is a myth that it is best to avoid ones that have blemishes or bruises. Oftentimes, those can be the healthiest produce available. It is because the produce has had to produce phytonutrients to protect and repair itself. It is best to buy meat, dairy, and eggs that come from pastured animals. Pastures can provide healthy soil and often contain many types of plants that can contain medicinal properties. Pastured animals are often eating herbs and plants all day that can provide health benefits. Foods that are grown right outside your home can provide one of the most nutritious produce. To find out more ways to keep yourself and body healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.