None — Eating Fruits and Veggies
In the new USDA food guidelines (http://www.choosemyplate.gov), experts suggest we fill half our plate with fruits and vegetables. A diet that incorporates plenty of fruits and vegetables tends to be lower in fat and calories than a meat-based diet. Fruits and veggies contain fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
People who eat more fruits and vegetables are likely to follow a healthy lifestyle. In turn, that may reduce the risk for many different types of chronic health problems, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Going "Wild" for Food Long ago, our ancestors had to work hard to get food. They hunted fish and wild game, and gathered plants, nuts and berries. Today, most Americans spend their time hunting out food choices in the local supermarket. The closest many people get to their food source is a local farmer's market or pick-your-own farm.
While supermarkets have made food selection easier, convenience comes at a price. Last year, the USDA estimates Americans spent more than $1,074 billion on food (that's more than $4000/person). Our drive for the freshest and tastiest foods means we must rely on imports for out-of-season produce and are willing to eat many genetically manipulated foods.
The American method of food acquisition is in sharp contrast to that of some other cultures, where food is either grown in the backyard or gathered from nearby fields and forests. Some Americans are trying to go back to their "roots" and learn how to gather foods from nature rather than the supermarket. However, John Kallas, Ph.D., Wild Food Researcher in Portland, OR, says it's not as simple as it sounds. Some plant foods can make us sick, while others are downright deadly. In addition, Kallas says some plants are edible only during certain stages of the growing cycle.
To help consumers learn how to forage for their own foods, he has written a book, called, Edible Wild Plants. The book is divided into three sections. The first section covers general information on how to identify edible plants and know which ones are toxic or poisonous. It also covers the different parts of a plant (leaves, stem, flower, roots, etc.) and the tools you will need to forage. The second section provides some in-depth information on some of the more common edible wild plants, a description of the plant life cycle and practical tips on how to prepare the plant foods. The third section talks about foraging in general and how the practice can be a good part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Kallas says health researchers have long touted the benefits of the plant-based Mediterranean diet. However, the original Mediterranean diet was very different from that of today because it was mostly based on foraged or home-grown fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. Edible plant foraging is closer to the "original" Mediterranean diet. Kallas stresses that food foraging has other important benefits. Since people must work to gather food, it provides a good form of exercise. It's also a good activity for the whole family and may save you money on the weekly grocery bill.
Research compiled and edited by Barbara J. Fister
AUDIENCE INQUIRY The book, Edible Wild Plants, retails for $24.99. For more information, go to the website: http://www.wildfoodadventures.com
For information on the new healthy eating guidelines: USDA
For general information eating more fruits and vegetables: American Dietetic Association CDC, Fruits and Veggies More Matters™
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