National Nutrition Week 2024: Do you really know what is on your plate?

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”?

These words of wisdom, originally shared by Hippocrates, are the kind of advice your grandmother might have given while trying to sneak some extra greens onto your plate. And, honestly, she wasn’t wrong. But there’s another crucial aspect you need to consider: the source of these veggies.

As it’s National Nutrition Week, let’s dive into the matter and learn why knowing what’s really on your plate is essential for your health and well-being.

WHAT IS NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK?

Every year, the first week of September is dedicated to National Nutrition Week. This week is a gentle reminder for all of us to pause, reflect, and take charge of our nutritional habits.

Established in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), this week was created to educate and raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition. And over the years, it’s grown into a global movement, encouraging everyone to prioritise what they eat.

In India, National Nutrition Week was initiated in 1982 by the Central Government to combat malnutrition and promote balanced diets. Today, it’s a major initiative aimed at improving nutrition and fostering a healthy lifestyle across the country.

EAT YOUR GREENS–OR NOT!

We all know that good nutrition is vital. After all, our bodies don't just crave flavour—they need all the essential nutrients. But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about what you eat, but where it comes from.?

Picture this: You’re at the supermarket, picking out what looks like the freshest, nutrient-rich veggies on the shelf. But did you know that many of these supermarket foods might be harbouring harmful chemicals and heavy metals??

In a recent study, researchers from the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) examined 400 samples of 10 vegetables from supermarkets and retail stores in Bengaluru. The results showed that the vegetables (including brinjal, tomato, capsicum, bean, carrot, green chilli, onion, potato, spinach, and coriander) surpassed the standards set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for maximum permissible values of heavy metals.

We did our own tests! We got our farm produce from Rose Valley Collective examined at the Food Safety Referral Laboratory ICAR-IIHR. And they met ALL the standards set by FAO/WHO for the maximum permissible values of metals in vegetables!!

MORE REASONS TO EAT NATURALLY GROWN FOOD

Fun Fact:?

At our Rose Valley Collective, located 65 km from Bengaluru, we are growing more than 50 varieties of tomatoes, 20 varieties of okras (Bhindi), 20 varieties of eggplant (Brinjal), 26 varieties of chillies, 10 varieties of corn, 8+ varieties of guavas, and the world's costliest mangoes, including various fruits, vegetables, millets, pulses, oilseed, honey, ghee, ketchup, jam, and other value-added products.

Here’s why naturally grown food should be on your plate:

• Fresher, healthier, and have a natural flavour
• Packed with essential nutrients & vitamins
• Free from harmful pesticides & chemicals
• Supports regenerative farming and local growers
• Better for the environment & biodiversity

HOW WECOMMUNITIES CAN HELP YOU MEET YOUR NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

You can load your plate with veggies, but if they’re soaked in chemicals, are you really doing your body a favour?

At WeCommunities, we’re all about growing food the way nature intended. Our farming collectives and personalised farmsteads follow the principles of natural farming and agroforestry. That means no harmful chemicals or pesticides are used to grow our produce.?

But we’re not just about growing food; we’re cultivating a self-sufficient lifestyle. As a member of our personalised farmsteads and farming collectives, you gain access to an array of exotic and local produce, all naturally grown on our land. Plus, our community kitchen prepares meals for all our members every day using the freshest ingredients. We also produce value-added products by experimenting with our farm produce so as to enhance the overall farm-to-table experience.?

Fun Fact:

As a member of our personalised farmsteads, you can have your own private farm surrounding your nature-friendly house. This farm will be managed by us, and you can personally choose the type of crops you want to grow here.??

NUTRITION 101: A QUICK REFRESHER

Your body needs a balanced intake of macronutrients (like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) to function at its best.?

Here’s a quick guide to some daily essentials:

Please Note: While the nutrients and food sources listed above are vital for a healthy diet, it's important to remember that everyone’s nutritional needs are unique. At WeCommunities, we’re dedicated to growing food that supports one’s well-being. Our goal is to empower you with naturally nutritious options, helping you make informed choices that best suit your lifestyle.

At our collectives and personalised farmsteads, we aim to build a conscious community that values a healthy lifestyle and considers the journey food takes before it lands on the table.

Good nutritious food starts with good farming practices, and we make sure it’s done right—for our community and the planet. Here’s to eating well, living well, and celebrating nutrition—not just this week, but every day. :)

If you are curious to know more about our ongoing projects and the type of lifestyle each of them has to offer, get in touch with us today!