By Staff Writer
Seasonal, locally grown food is all the rage, but is this trend a passing fad or a legitimate approach to healthy eating?
More Nutrients
Most produce travels long distances before it reaches grocery store shelves. In fact, it is common for some fruits and vegetables to travel as much as 1,300 miles over a period of two weeks in order to reach the dinner table. Local produce, by comparison, is usually sold within 24 hours of harvesting.
The longer the time between picking and eating produce, the greater the exposure to oxygen and light, which results in fewer nutrients. Thus, people who buy locally grown produce and eat it promptly (rather than letting it sit in the fridge for a week) are likely to eat a more nutrient-rich diet.
Environmental Responsibility
Locally grown food is not only better for your health, but it’s also better for the environment. Buying from local farmers uses fewer non-renewable resources, fossil fuels and chemicals. It also helps support independent and family farms and strengthens local economies by keeping funds within the community rather than giving them to large corporations.
Better Taste, Healthier Diet
Perhaps most important of all, locally grown fruits and vegetables taste better, making it more likely that people will fill up on healthy meals than sugary snacks. What’s more, walking around a farmer’s market and taking in the sights and smells of fresh produce can be a fun way to spend the afternoon.
According to the American Dietetic Association, buying local is indeed a healthier way to shop. The result tends to be eating fewer processed foods and more natural, wholesome foods.
As with all rules, there are exceptions. Meat, nuts and legumes grown locally may not be any healthier than other options. When it comes to choosing the best meat, experts say, the more important question is how the animals were raised. For example, grass-fed animals, free-range chickens and animals that haven’t been given antibiotics or hormones are generally healthier than the alternatives.
So what should you buy this weekend at the grocery store? Most experts agree that locally grown food is an added bonus, but that choosing a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats is the first step to good health.