#Vocalforlocal: The Health Reform
For me, #VocalforLocal, the mantra that our Honourable Prime Minister introduced, is a reiteration of the concept of Swadeshi. Just as Swadeshi Movement contributed towards feelings of nationalism, for the nutritionist in me, #vocalforlocal holds the power to bring about a health reform if followed in its true essence. This is because, food is packed with nutrients and these nutrients carry in them the ‘prana shakti’ (life force energy) that nourishes and sustains life. This prana shakti comes with a definite shelf life and thus the fresher you eat, the better your health is. Eating local and seasonal food therefore improves health status and at the same time contributes towards developing local economy and maintaining global ecology.
Living in an era when everything is available all-round the year, it’s the lack of awareness and connectedness with crop cycle that has really led to the deterioration of public health at large. I have witnessed this up and close with clients who come to me consuming Palak paneer or oranges in scorching heat of summers and dudhi ka juice in winters. The concept of ‘seasonal’ fruits and veggies doesn’t exist for them. What feeds their intellect is the messages propagated by the food industry and health influencers on social media about how oranges are high Vit C and Ghia is good for weight loss. By the way, very recently a client called to say that her nephew checked the calories of Ghia on Google and exclaimed that ghia was too high on calories to be included in her diet! She was simply putting my advice of eating ‘summer vegetables’ (in the month of June, July) into practice! This is enough evidence to prove how our connection to technology is disconnecting us with nature and common sense!
Indian Apples
Now its August and the rains have brought some respite from the blazing sun. The sight of small baby apples (that’s what I called them as a kid) inspired me to share this with all of you. This variety of apple is very seasonal and is available for a very very short time. These are our very own, local Kashmiri Apples.
Harvested in the month of July and August, these small, rosy apples are mischievous in taste. A hint of tanginess that blends with its sweetness. These add spice to the otherwise dank rainy season. Local, seasonal and economical. These haven’t accumulated food miles to reach you, nor are they depleted in their freshness. Straight from the ‘Heaven on earth’ they have the power to kindle your heart.
This is the season of apples in India. Varieties of apples flood the market from Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and some parts of Sirmaur and Lahaul – Spiti. Each one of them is so different from the other in color and taste, I am sure you will discover the apple of your eye ?
This season, be #vocalforlocal, purchase and promote these native varieties and if you have kids in your family, don’t forget to pass on the wisdom to them
Download your free copy of the health guidelines that I follow with my one on one clients: A Healthy Routine for Healthy You
Also Read:
1. How Elements that never existed in Human Body have found their way in
2. How to Prevent and Treat Hair Fall
3. Why are we always told to eat local and seasonal
Don’t just follow trends. Dig deep to understand in totality the process, ingredients and time of consumption of food items to boost your health. In holistic approach to health, each component of a healthy lifestyle quality sleep, exercise, balanced diet and activity fits beautifully to complete the picture. Quick fixes and fad diets lead to long term damaging effects to our body.
Confused by the misinformation about potential health problems with traditional Indian foods ? Get in touch with the Best Dietitian in Delhi Madhavi K Sharma is a strong advocate of the holistic, wellness benefits of fresh, local, and traditional Indian foods.
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