People have heard it all that fresh foods are healthier for you. But do they understand what the reasons are? What’s the distinction between a tomato bought in the grocery store and one that was produced in a backyard or purchased at an agricultural market? Dietary health has many benefits, but immune boosts and positive mood are just the beginning.
Although it’s difficult to argue that fresh produce isn’t a good source of nutrition, there are negatives associated with eating fresh foods also, like food items that cost more and have a shorter shelf-life. The biggest problem of mass-produced food is the use of hormones or pesticides to make them. Sprays are used by farmers to manage the spread of weeds and pests. However, these same chemicals can be consumed by people who need to then break down and digest them. What is the difference between an uncooked supermarket tomato and one that is that is grown at your home? A local garden produces a healthier tomato. Pesticides and other hard chemicals is not an issue. The use of chemicals used to treat pests and fertilizers should be checked locally.
However, fresh and local foods are so much healthier than packaged food items. What is the reason that packaged foods are so popular? The reason is simple: convenience. For each “all natural” label There are probably more (if not more) options that are cheaper, more readily available, and are salted or pre-seasoned. Many people weigh the costs and determine that fresh food is more important than saving money or going to the grocery store.
Fresh:
- Freshly harvested vegetables and fruits are the most effective way to make sure that no chemicals, preservatives or colorings are added to your food.
- Produce actually loses its nutritional value as time passes and the faster it is consumed, the more nutrients that can be gained from it.
- It’s better tasting!
Why to avoid packaged:
- Foods that are canned, packaged or frozen. To extend their shelf life they’ve been preserved with chemicals known as preservatives.
- These types of foods often contain other additives such as hormones, dyes, artificial flavors , sugars and more.
- These additives create a greater challenge for the digestive system to function properly. Chemicals that are unknowable to the body can delay the digestion process and block real nutrients from being absorbed. (That is also why people are more hungry after eating a balanced meal.)
- The main point is that the product that contains chemicals it is unhealthy for your health.
This is an interesting fact
Microwaving food can alter its chemical composition which makes it just as difficult to digest the foods that are full of additives and preservatives.
Healthy, fresh foods and a regular eating plan will provide more energy and help you lead a healthier lifestyle. When you see a new recipe, don’t forget what is more important the food you eat that lasts, or nutrition that lasts. If you’re looking to purchase fresh vegetables, go to wildsprout.
