WHY GO SLOW?
There are some obvious health
benefits that come from eschewing
the convenience of prepared,
packaged and fast foods. Here are
just a few reasons:
tEating locally means you will
eat fresh food. Seasonal, local
foods will naturally be higher in
vitamins and minerals compared
to those that have been in cold
storage for weeks or months
or have travelled across the
globe. Seasonal food is usually
more abundant, so can be more
cost effective.
tSustainably produced food means
less pesticides, chemicals and
antibiotics in the food system.
Good for you, and good for
the environment.
tEating fresh equates to eating
a greater diversity of foods,
which increases nutrient intake
and is linked with improved
health and wellbeing. Most
packaged foods are comprised
of the same ingredients with
different flavourings.
tGreater diversity of foods as well
as fresh produce support a healthy
gut microbiome through the
delivery of fibre and nutrients – a
healthy gut microbiome is critical
for health and mental health.OTHER SURPRISING
BENEFITS
The slow food movement tries to
connect people to their food and
to each other, fostering a greater
community connection and retaining
food cultures and traditions.
Research shows that greater
social and community engagement
is important for physical health,longevity and mental wellbeing.
The slow food movement fosters
a sense of belonging through
retention of cultures and traditions.
It also encourages a more conscious,
mindful approach to eating that can
promote a more mindful approach
to other aspects of life – from
relationships to work, life goals,
etc. This reflection and sense of
appreciation has also been linked inresearch to greater wellbeing.
It not only benefits our health,
but supports food sustainability and
future food security by encouraging
a more localised approach to food
and food supply with a direct link
between producers and consumers.
Encouraging biodiversity in foods
makes for a more resilient food
supply, better able to adapt to climate
change, disease and other threats.
Growing some of your own food
has additional benefits: Research
shows that getting outside amongst
greenery has enormous health
benefits, but even just looking at
plants can have a positive impact.GET INVOLVED
Join the movement:
slowfoodaustralia.com.au
Visit your local farmers’ market:
farmersmarkets.org.auA more conscious,
mindful approach to
eating can promote
a more mindful
approach to other
aspects of life50 | AUSTRALIAN NATURAL HEALTH naturalhealthmag.com.au