Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

5- 10 servings a day

In January of this year my 9 year old daughter, Katelynn announced she was not going to eat any more meat!  When I asked why, she stated, "It's mean to eat animals."  I figured that would last until the first time she came face-to-face with a nice juicy steak or chop!  Not so!  My little animal lover has stuck to her conviction and continues on a strict vegetarian diet.

A well balanced vegetarian diet is considered by many to be a very healthy lifestyle choice.  In fact, it is well established; vegetarians live longer.  It is not clear however, if this is due to the elimination of meat in the diet or because of the high quality food typically consumed in a vegetarian diet or simply because of lifestyle.

Individuals must take charge of their own health. Poor eating habits among North Americans contribute to compromised health and a wide range of ailments.   

Processed foods containing trans-fatty acids, high levels of refined flour and sugar are abundant in the western diet. Our love for high fat, high calorie, low nutrition fast and convenient food may be killing us!

Health Canada states, "Adequate nutrition is essential for proper growth and development. It is also a significant factor in reducing the risk of developing nutrition-related problems, including heart disease, cancer, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), and osteoporosis. Healthy eating contributes to an overall sense of well being and helps people look, feel, and perform better."  

Anyone concerned with the quality of what they ingest should consider cultivating their own food supply.  Whether conventionally grown in fortified soil, organically raised, or hydroponically grown fresh fruit and vegetables right out of the garden are nutritionally superior and much more flavorful than produce purchased at a supermarket.  Quality and freshness are lost during storage, and damage is sustained through transportation and handling.

Unfortunately, our outdoor growing season is only long enough to provide one harvest.  This is where indoor, hydroponic cultivation becomes a valuable means of obtaining a fresh, homegrown supply of produce year round. 

Hydroponics is a clean, safe horticulture technique that offers an economic, healthy alternative to soil gardening.  A study comparing soil versus hydroponically grown tomatoes and sweet peppers was conducted by Plant Research Technologies Incorporated in San Jose, California.  Their research found a dramatic increase in vitamins and minerals in hydroponics, in some cases up to 50% higher in vitamin content.

Hydroponic culture incorporates a controlled atmosphere with an ecologically sound environment.  Soluble nutrient formulas are re-circulated, and used by plant's roots eliminating environmental waste.  Plants tend to be healthier in a hydroponic system than those grown in soil making them more pest resistant.  Biological control agents, such as the introduction of predator insects prior to any infestation of destructive bugs, are used as preventative measures.  Harmful herbicides are simply not required as there are no weeds in a hydroponic garden!

Growing hydroponically at home does not only produce a healthy and fresh food source, it provides an enjoyable pastime year round.  Many nursing homes and convalescent care facilities use hydroponic gardening for its therapeutic benefits. Improvements have been noted in patients' health and sense of well being when they're exposed to gardening.  A hydroponic garden inside has proven to provide these benefits year round.

A small space in a spare room, closet or basement can be easily used for your indoor garden.  A 4'x 4'area will be ample space to provide an abundance of different vegetables or fruit.  Because there is an artificially created environment, the grower determines the seasons. Harvest times are predictable and can be scheduled to coincide with special events or holidays.  Staggering start times of each crop will ensure an ongoing supply of your favourite fresh produce. 

Experiment with a variety of different vegetables and fruit, most will do very well in hydroponics. Try growing out of season berries and enjoy the fresh picked flavours year round.  Have a continuous supply of green leafy vegetables growing to provide fixings for salads and garnishes. Involving children in the gardening adventure will help encourage them to try a variety of flavours. Plan a nibblers' garden where produce can be eaten right off the vine. Kids will learn to appreciate the diverse tastes and textures of the various vegetables and fruits.

Controversy surrounds everything we eat, or don't eat.  Our dieting habits have turned into a multi-million dollar industry.  If it is delicious tasting you can almost be sure it's fattening, carcinogenic or will make a bee line to your arteries. Research in ongoing in the roll of vitamins and minerals in our diets.  Making healthy choices can be very confusing and at times intimidating. 

Dr. Andrew Wiel M.D., author of several nutrition and healthy living books including, Eating Well for Optimum Health sums up dieting in one paragraph:

"Eat a balanced and varied diet.  Avoid obesity and fad diets.  There are not magical guidelines for good nutrition.  Patients should resolve to plan their diet around the watchwords variety, moderation, and balance."

Whether you choose a vegetarian diet, wish to boost your immune system or just want to implement healthier eating practices, dieticians, nutritionists, conventional, homeopathic and naturopathic doctors all agree on one thing:  A healthy diet should contain 5 - 10 servings of fresh, high quality fruit and vegetables every day!  A variety of leafy green, yellow, orange and root vegetables along with dark pigmented fruit and berries seems to be the best prescription for optimum health. 

Obesity in adults has jumped from 1 in 8 in 1999 to a staggering 1 in 5 in 2002; 58 million North Americans are seriously overweight and in poor physical condition. Half of the adult population are considered somewhat overweight.  Other health related issues are also on the rise. Heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer and diabetes are all major health issues.  Obesity in children has become a major health concern, in fact some experts predict diabetes will affect one out of three children alive today.  For the first time in history it is believed that children born today will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Even slight diet modifications have a profound effect on our health.  Cutting back on high fats and refined sugars and eating more whole foods, fruits and vegetables in our daily diets has shown to have significant health benefits. Hydroponic cultivation is an excellent way to ensure that you and your family have year round access to a wide variety of fresh, nutrient rich foods.

There are many books available for the novice hydroponic grower.  They provide a step-by-step guide to setting up a simple, low maintenance garden. The internet is brimming with information;  hydroponics.com is an informative site for new growers and seasoned professionals alike.

Whether you want to become a vegetarian, start a healthier lifestyle, or just enjoy the taste of garden fresh fruits and vegetables year round, hydroponics is a healthy method of cultivation.  Enjoy a delicious variety of rich tasting, nutritious foods produced in your home throughout the year. 

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