Why Plant-Based?
In Greek and Roman times, food was considered more than nourishment; it served as elixirs or aids to stay healthy, and to prevent and manage disease. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, connected the role of diet and disease. While some of his statements are not attributed to science, he did establish the possibilities of the nutrient-disease connection when he reportedly said,
“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.”
In some areas of the world, food is still considered Mother Nature’s best medicine, and people choose diets according to their health-enhancing benefits. Think about the Ayurvedic diet, which centers around consuming food with “Prana” (Life Force), or the traditional Chinese diet, with its balance of yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) foods. According to both of these, an unbalanced diet could result in illness or a general sense of discomfort.
Herbs and spices have long been recognized for their ability to prevent, manage, and even cure some diseases. For example, garlic and turmeric are used in some cultures to prevent degenerative diseases like Alzheimers, or Parkinsons, and as remedies for others. Phytochemicals found in plant foods are associated with the prevention and management of certain diseases, such as beta-carotene in brightly colored orange and red fruits and vegetables. While they are not nutrients, phytochemicals have beneficial properties. They may ward off diseases, protect the eyes, and defend against the common cold, among other functions.
Functional foods have physical and psychological roles in the diet too. Some serve as antioxidants and protect the body against damaging free radicals from sunlight and environment hazards. Other functional foods help protect the bones, heart, and stomach, while still others help to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Some functional foods are also called nutraceuticals; they act as pharmaceuticals, with drug-like effects on the body.
There’s excellent scientific evidence that many chronic diseases can be controlled, reduced, or even reversed by moving to a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Scientific research has shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other major illnesses. Many people also report bigger fitness payoffs, more energy, reduced inflammation, and better health outcomes after making the switch.
At the Earth House, you will be experiencing a variety of natural, nutrient dense living foods that come straight from the earth. From adaptogenic mushrooms to iron rich leafy greens, to beautiful fresh healing herbs, your microbiome will be just as happy as your tastebuds.
Plant-based living is the future!
