We've talked at length about eating seasonally in previous newsletters, but why is it so important to eat with the cycles of nature and only consume food that was grown at the time you're eating it? Eating seasonally is better for your health, and it also promotes balance with both the Earth's resources and its life forms.
Because of modern agriculture and food processing techniques, most foods are available year-round. However, the techniques they use to ripen fruits and vegetables and make them available at any time of the year often result in the loss of nutrients, which doesn't happen when they are allowed to ripen on their parent plant. Thus, seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season.
Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Along with eating seasonally, you should also strive to eat locally. Local food benefits the environment. Purchasing locally grown foods helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community. Local farmers are also less likely to apply pesticides and herbicides to control weeds and insects than conventional producers, which results in less harmful toxins entering your body. Lastly, eating seasonally and locally reduces your carbon footprint since food doesn't have to be transported that far away, which is better for the environment.
So, what foods are in season this month (and under Dr. Sebi's Nutritional Guide)? Let's find out!
Blackberries. These tiny fruits are actually little powerhouses of nutrition! Packed with minerals like manganese and antioxidants, they protect your DNA against oxidative damage, support the brain, and improve oral health. They also increase brain performance, fight infections, and boost immunity. Try this amazing smoothie to get all of those benefits first thing in the morning.
Seeded Cucumbers. They are delicious, refreshing, and packed with good-for-you benefits. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they help you keep hydrated; also contain antioxidants and other essential minerals, like potassium and magnesium. They help you lower your blood sugar, aid in weight loss, and lower your blood pressure. This Cucumber Avocado Salad features crisp cucumbers, rich, creamy avocado, and fresh summery dill all tossed in a simple key lime dressing
Pears. This mild, sweet fruit, is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming pears may help with weight loss and reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease if eaten as part of an overall healthy diet. This scrumptious baked pears recipe makes the perfect ending to any meal, or you can even serve them up as a salad at the start of any meal... Your guests will love it!
Prickly Pears. This fruit belonging to the cactus family possesses a wide range of benefits. It contains magnesium, antioxidants, iron, calcium, potassium, and many other nutrients. You can eat it raw, grilled or juiced. Enjoy!
Peppers. Bell peppers are rich in many minerals and antioxidants. They have several health benefits, such as improved eye health, and reduced risk of several chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. They are great as a snack with homemade tahini or hummus, or you can also try them in these scrumptious Veggie Fajitas Tacos.
Zucchini. Although zucchini is often considered a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit. This versatile summer squash can be eaten raw or cooked, and it has many awesome health benefits. Zucchini is rich in several minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. These may benefit your eyes, skin, and heart, as well as offer some protection against certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. If you are not crazy about its taste, or you want to try it in an original form, give this Zucchini Bread a go.
Cherry and Plum Tomatoes. Cherry and plum tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of potassium, which is beneficial for heart blood pressure, and folate, which is essential for normal tissue growth and cell function and it's particularly important for pregnant women. Try them in this Creamy Plum Tomato-Basil Soup, which is bursting with fresh flavor!
In the next newsletter, find out about the benefits of fasting: a practice that Dr. Sebi carried out at one point or another throughout his life.
