Warming Up for Winter with Local Foods

With the arrival of the chilly winter mornings and their accompanying annual scourge of the winter ‘flu, it’s time to load up on the foods that offer our bodies some extra protection and feelings of warmth.

What better choice than selecting fresh, seasonal vegetables grown in your local area! According to Nutrition Australia Senior Nutritionist, Aloysa Hourigan, "Vegetables are at their nutritional peak, when they are used in season and as soon as possible after harvesting, that is when their vitamin, mineral and health protective photochemical content will be at its best."

Australia is often referred to as the "Land of Plenty" – and the variety and volume of vegetable produce that is available confirms this. However, for some Australians in rural and remote areas, the supply of fresh fruit and vegetable produce can be of poor quality, insufficient quantity and the cost often exorbitant. "This makes it difficult for the average consumer to purchase these health-protective foods – an issue which is reflected in the higher incidence of major health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers in these rural and remote areas." said Ms Hourigan.

How can you beat this problem? "With vegetables at their nutritional peak and lowest cost seasonally, it makes sense for the average consumer to purchase any fresh local produce that is available, or better still grow your own. This can be supplemented with frozen and canned products when the fresh supply is limited. The processed vegetables still have a good nutritional content and are often economical."

Nutrition Australia can offer you some great ideas for preparing vegetable-rich, winter warming foods through some of their publications e.g. "Adding Life to Your Years - The Cookbook" and "Healthy Food for Families". Contact Nutrition Australia for further information or visit www.NutritionAustralia.org

It’s time to get out the stock pot and start making some of those delicious, warming vegetable packed soups and help yourself to a healthy, "‘flu free" winter.

- Nutrition Australia