Whole Food as Medicinal Nourishment | Cultivating and Consuming Nutritious Eats for Healing and Wellness
Food is a powerful tool that has the potential to boost both our minds and bodies. Filling our bodies with nutrient-dense sustenance can repair and protect us from sickness and disease. In fact, food may serve as a far more effective remedy than the medications peddled by big pharma.
You see, thousands of years ago, the ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates recognized the power of food as medicine. And his observation remains valid today. By nourishing our bodies with wholesome, unprocessed nutrition, we can significantly improve our strength and overall wellness.
Recently, I had a fascinating chat with Robert T. Jones, the founder of Roots Food Group and the Roots Food Foundation. This organization was created with the mission to bring affordable, unprocessed, and nutritious foods to those in need, with the ultimate goal of improving health and wellness nationwide while reducing the overall cost of healthcare.
In talking with Mr. Jones, I gained a troubling realization about the dangers of processed, cheap food. These affordable options, jam-packed with sodium, saturated fats, sugar, and shorn of any real nutrients, have created an exorbitant problem. The influx of chronic diseases across the nation, as well as globally, can largely be attributed to processed food being the primary source of sustenance for the majority of the population.
For instance, the National Institute of Health reports that over 50 million adults in America suffer from hypertension, and an additional 24 million grapple with Type 2 Diabetes. Such conditions cost thousands in medical expenses and put a substantial strain on the healthcare system. Actually, according to various sources, heart diseases and strokes alone cost the industry an astounding $216 billion each year, not to mention the related $147 billion in lost productivity on the job. Diabetes, on the other hand, costs a whopping $327 billion annually in medical costs and lost productivity. Obesity, too, burdens the healthcare system with a staggering $173 billion annual price tag.
But the financial toll is just the tip of the iceberg. The loss of human lives due to the poor nutrition associated with processed food is immeasurable, with one in every five deaths worldwide traced back to a substandard diet—a figure eclipsing the impact of any risk factor, even tobacco usage.
Nourishing your body with quality fuel is vital to your health. Treat your body with the care and kindness it deserves, for it's the only one you'll get. And sometimes, it can be challenging to motivate yourself to prioritize self-care. That's where gardening enters the picture. Tending to a garden truly reflects the importance of treating your body well. Neglect a garden, and you'll quickly see the adverse effects, usually culminating in death. Although we may not notice instantaneous changes within our own bodies, the message rings clear: Prioritize and nurture your body as you would care for a garden.
Gardening offers additional benefits, too. When you take the time to cultivate your own herbs or vegetables, you become more mindful of your food choices. Surrounded by fresh, homegrown produce, you may find yourself embracing a more health-conscious lifestyle. And gardening isn't just a productive activity—it's also a way to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the food you eat.
For instance, according to the National Library of Medicine, participants in an urban home garden program reported experiencing a shift in their eating habits. With gardening, you can change your life—body, mind, and soul.
So go ahead, start a garden, and don't underestimate the power of your food choices. Remember, your body is the only temple you'll have, so make every meal a conscious decision towards better health.
- By growing your own herbs and vegetables through gardening, you may find yourself embracing a healthier lifestyle and making more mindful food choices.
- Incorporating wholesome, unprocessed nutrition into your diet can significantly improve your strength and overall wellness, aligning with the goals of organizations like Roots Food Group and Roots Food Foundation.
- Nurturing your body with quality fuel, such as those found in healthy diets and cooking your own meals, is crucial for protective and repairing effects against sickness and disease.
- The science behind food as a potent tool for wellness can be harnessed through exploration of topics like nutrition and food-and-drink, where you might discover valuable recipes to support your healthy lifestyle.
- Adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes self-care, including gardening, cooking nourishing meals, and partaking in fitness-and-exercise, can play a vital role in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, as reported by entities like the National Institute of Health.
