Megan Ulrichs suggests local, fresh-picked greens as a source of minerals that support the heart and enable healthy sleep patterns. Photograph by Kimmie Geer.
Thai Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Supporting our local growers not only ensures that we are consuming fresher produce and potentially fewer chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and antibiotics, but it also creates a tangible connection between the environment, the food that nourishes us, and the people sitting around our table. In addition to these connections, locally grown, seasonal produce contains many more nutrients than plants that have been shipped for miles and days before reaching our plates.
In Montana we are so fortunate to have access to delicious produce grown by passionate and dedicated farmers during our oh-so-short growing season! Since food can either support life-long well-being or slow deterioration of our bodies and overall health, why not invest in your health, community, and farmers by consuming seasonal, locally grown foods to the best of your ability?
As a holistic nutritionist, my passion is to educate people on the importance of understanding the source of their foods, which foods will nourish the body, and which foods contribute to malaise. This understanding can empower you to proactively take control of your health and live a more vibrant, energetic life free of dis-ease.
Take a look at these seasonal Montana vegetables you have access to and empower your health with a visit to the farmers market. While you’re at it, take a sneak preview of my Thai Butternut Squash Soup recipe from my upcoming cookbook glō: Recipes for Inner Radiance, due on shelves this winter.
Carrots, pumpkin, and butternut squash are rich in vitamins A, C, and beta carotene. These plant nutrients boost the immune system, fight cancer cells, and protect the skin internally from damaging UV rays, enabling new skin cell regeneration to even tone and strengthen elasticity. Carrot juice and butternut squash soup are excellent for internal protection from UV rays, frostbite, and excessive dryness.
Kale, chard, spinach, mixed greens, arugula, cauliflower, and broccoli are high in vitamins A, C, K, folic acid, lutein and zeaxanthin, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are alkalizing to the body (cancer can’t thrive in an alkalized environment). Antioxidants lutein, and zeaxanthin are excellent for eye and skin health. Minerals from freshly picked greens support the heart, balance mood swings, ease stress and muscle spasms, and enable healthy sleep patterns. These minerals are not as rich in store-bought greens that have been grown in suboptimal soils, traveled long distances, and/or sat on shelves for days at a time.
