Your diet heavily influences your health and well-being. While everyone knows it’s essential to consume a balanced and varied diet, many people might overlook where their food is comingfrom. Foods that are sourced locally have a host of health benefits that one may not immediately discern. Here are the leading health benefits of eating locally sourced foods.
Nutritional Value
Food that’s locally grown is usually fresher because it doesn’t have to travel long distances before it reaches your plate. Fresher food is richer in nutrients. The longer the food sits after harvest, the more nutrients it loses. When you consume locally sourced foods, you’re taking in more of the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients the food initially had.
Supports Digestive Health
Locally sourced foods often are grown in a season-friendly environment, and most of them are rich in fiber. Fiber is an integral part of any diet, as it aids in maintaining proper digestive health. It helps decrease the risk of constipation and other digestive issues.
Environmentally Friendly
Buying food that’s grown close to home helps decrease the demand for fuel needed to transport foods from various corners of the world. This factor can substantially cut down on pollution levels. Therefore, eating locally sourced foods leads not only to health benefits but also to environmental advantages.
Promotes a Safer Food Supply
Local sourcing of food reduces the chances of contamination during transit. Additionally, local farmers are less likely to use harmful chemicals to increase the shelf life of their products because they don’t have to travel far.
Benefits of Locally Sourced Foods Summary
- Higher nutritional value
- Improved digestive health
- Less environmental impact
- Reduced risk of food contamination
To sum it up, locally sourced foods can be a healthier alternative to the foods that undergo long-distance transportation. Consuming foods closer to their time of harvest ensures higher nutritional value, helps support a healthy digestive system, and promotes an overall more responsible environmental choice. So next time you visit your market, consider opting for locally sourced foods.