Seasonal eating is more of a lifestyle choice than a diet trend. It is about eating fresh organic produce at a time of the year when it’s naturally ready for harvest. Seasonal eating also means you get to support local farmers as they are the best sources of fresh in-season foods.

According to nutrition counselor Susan Rappaport, eating what’s in season is good for your health because it’s designed to supply your body exactly what it needs. For instance, in the summer, in-season foods include some of the most hydrating foods of the year, namely, watermelons, cucumbers and berries. This is because the days are longer and warmer, so the body is in constant need of refreshment.

In contrast, during the fall when the temperature’s cooler, the body requires warming foods, so the season brings with it bulkier food products, along with the biggest harvest of apples. According to Rappaport, apples provide fiber and pectin, which can help the body digest the foods you eat for warmth. By eating fruits and vegetables at the time nature sees fit to provide them, your body becomes stronger, happier and healthier naturally.

“[Seasonal eating] gives us a daily dose of vitamins in its most pure form. It makes us more aware of our body’s needs, and it brings our physical and nutritional well-being front and center. When we get what we need, we feel better and more energized,” explained Rappaport.

Seasonal eating and what it does for your health

Grocery stores offer out-of-season produce all year round for your convenience. And while buying these foods can be tempting, know that you are giving up on the wonderful benefits offered by seasonal eating every time you consume foods that are not in season.

Here are four benefits associated with consuming seasonal foods: (h/t to EatLocalGrown.com)

They support your body’s natural cleansing and healing abilities

Unlike out-of-season fruits and vegetables, seasonal produce is harvested at the peak of their freshness, making them more nutritious. In-season foods also provide diversity to your diet, as well as a wide variety of important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other plant compounds that you need to stay healthy.

All the goodness you can get from seasonal foods can also help your body’s natural detoxification process and support its natural ability to heal. For instance, in-season foods in the spring like dandelion greens and spring onions are said to be great healing foods that not only promote the health of your liver, but also help cleanse your blood.

They offer sustainable benefits and help the environment

Farmers who sell organic seasonal produce at your local farmer’s market grow their harvest in a sustainable manner, which helps protect the environment. They use crop rotations to keep their soils fertile, avoid the use of pesticides which harm the planet, and practice sustainable composting methods to dispose of organic waste.

By not using toxic chemicals, local farmers ensure that the seasonal foods which end up on your plate are safe, clean, healthy and have better taste and quality than conventionally grown foods or foods that are out of season.

They help support local farmers and boost local economy

Whenever you buy locally and sustainably grown seasonal foods, you support the farmers in your area financially. This benefits your local economy and helps you maintain a healthier diet. In addition, seasonal eating is friendly to your budget as seasonal foods are more reasonably priced than out-of-season foods. This lets you save more money which you can use for other necessities.

Seasonal eating is a practical way of getting sustenance and making sure that your body is properly nourished. Relying on foods that come with the season also gives you a great base for planning what foods to include in your meals. To get the most out of seasonal eating, make sure you stick to fresh fruits and vegetables which are organically grown to avoid industrial chemicals that can harm your health.

Sources:

EatLocalGrown.com

Healthline.com

OhMyVeggies.com