Benefits of eating local

Spending time in Rishikesh taught me many things, one thing in particular was the impact and benefits of eating local foods.

Local, organic foods have gained traction in recent times, and there may be many reasons why it is important to think about where our food comes from.

Ayurveda focuses on many Indian spices, fruits and vegetables. At a time when there were no commercial flights and globalisation was a long way off, food came from around you, depending on what was seasonal. Therefore when put into context of the bigger picture, the recommendations of do’s and don’t were of course local. Maybe this is why avocado’s aren’t as popular in India because they do not grow there.

“where does our food from come? What journey has it been on to get to our tables.”

Ayurveda recognises that our bodies have different needs depending on the changing seasons and climates. Local seasonal foods are thought to naturally align with the body's requirements during specific times of the year. For example, during the hot summer months, juicy fruits and cooling vegetables are recommended to help balance the heat and keep the body hydrated. Seasonal food also grows in the environment that helps it prosper. For example, coconuts grow in hot tropical climates, which may be because the water and nutrition is needed to survive those conditions.

Ayurvedic texts are 5000 years old, they focus on the science of a healthy life. According to Ayurveda, “You are not what you eat, but rather you are what you digest.” It is our ability to digest the foods we eat that will impact our health and dictate whether we receive the benefits from them or not. It is not only the quality of the food but also the conditions in which we eat the food which may effect the benefits we receive.

Local seasonal foods are usually harvested at their peak ripeness, which means they are fresher and contain higher nutritional value. They are also more likely to be grown in nutrient-rich soils, providing a greater variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Consuming fresh, locally grown foods helps ensure a diverse and nutrient-rich diet.

Choosing local, seasonal foods also supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. It encourages a closer connection to the local ecosystem and helps contribute to environmental conservation. This is an element of yoga where we are trying to unite with our surroundings and live in harmony.

Whilst I may not stop eating imported products right away, this has made me think about where our food comes from and the journey it has had to reach our plates. In the UK many food are imported as the climate is not conducive to many crops. I will be mindful to read the label and understand the origin of my foods.

Luckily in the UK we do grow strawberries during the summer so I will aim to make the most of this locally grown lovable fruit!

Share your favourite local produce in the comments below