There has been a lot of talk this past year about boosting one's immune system. It's no secret that consuming fresh organic fruits and vegetables, combined with a bit of sunshine, is amazing at accomplishing this task! We are super pleased to be able to offer you a box packed with immune boosting crops this week again for our 3rd week of the Farm Share program.
Just to name a few specific health benefits for this week's box: One cup of mustard greens contains half the daily amount needed of vitamin C, well known for fighting off sickness. Arugula also has vitamin C, and most notably a high level of anti-oxidants that are key in building and repairing cells in your body.
Tomatoes have all of the above benefits, plus can help lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, have been shown to prevent cancer with its doses of beta-carotene and lycopene. Green beans are packed with protein, vitamin C, folate B Vitamins that are important for pregnant women, and zinc -another big immune booster.
Fennel is a micro-nutrient powerhouse with zinc, copper, manganese, contains natural estrogen, and selenium that helps produce killer T cells to fend of diseases and viruses. Perhaps most notably these days, eating starfruit is well known for reducing stress and its magnesium helps you get a good night's sleep. This food is medicine!
It's even better because it's organic. Many leafy greens and other vegetables like tomatoes are known for easily absorbing chemicals that are applied systemically through irrigation and externally with sprays in conventional agricultural systems. Organic operations only use natural substances that break down before entering the plant or your body. So all you get with organic is the good stuff:)
Check out our stocked inventory this week to see what's in your box and what else you might want to add as an extra or swap out. Buying extras is a great way to support the farm and get more healthy food in your weekly diet beyond the normal farm share level.
Re-use and recycle: Bring your used boxes, as we love to take back your clean boxes and egg cartons for re-use. Some members bring bags and leave the box at the pick-up. Also Leatherback now has it's aluminum can recycling program up and running so set aside and bring in those cans!
We hope to see you at either the Leatherback or Little La Grange Farm Tienda pick-ups on Saturday. We always have extra crops, selected pork cuts, and Misfit Island Munchies goodies!
Feed your health,
Nate & the Farm Crew
