Eat Local to stay healthy

In recent years, the term ‘eating local’ has become a cool buzzword. But what does it mean and how does it impact our health? Eating local means consuming produce and other foods from farmers in your local community. There are a number of advantages to eating local food such as environmental, economic, social, and health. We spoke to nutritionists and chefs to learn about the health benefits of eating local. Here are their insights.

1. Local produce is more nutritious

Food when processed for a longer shelf-life loses its nutritional benefits. “Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has travelled and sits in distribution centres before it gets to your store.

The longer it takes for farm-grown vegetables to reach our plates, the greater is the loss of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Green vegetables and fruits tend to lose their nutritional quality quickly, and these foods are where micronutrients are most important. Once we cut the plants, their natural enzymes and microbial activity start breaking it down, and the nutritional value keeps on decreasing with time

Local food aids adapting to local weather changes

Eating what’s grown in your area and what’s seasonally available will help your body adapt to weather changes. “If you live in a seaside place, your diet will consist of coconuts, which is beneficial to your health and will help you to adjust to weather changes that occur there. Also, residents in Rajasthan like eating bajra roti because it keeps them from becoming thirsty frequently.

Seasonal supportive foods such as water-dense fruits in summers and leafy green vegetables in spring and winter provide you with exactly the kind of food that your body needs

Eating local encourages eating a well-balanced diet

“When you buy locally grown food, it’s easier to include more healthy meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, as opposed to processed and packaged foods, which do not provide a balanced diet. Moreover, obesity, as well as undernutrition are reduced when you consume locally grown food. This occurs because the food you eat contains all the micronutrients your body requires