Linseed Crackers

The ancient Chinese believed that the cyclical effects of the seasons have a profound effect on human growth and wellbeing, according to Paul Pitchford in his book “Healing With Whole Foods”. If we are in tune with the seasons and are aware of the changes that are happening outside as well as inside of us, then we can consciously prepare ourselves for each change of season.
Indigenous Australians and other native cultures had a connection with the earth that enabled them to survive and thrive for thousands of years without the modern technical advances we have today. Food was grown, harvested and eaten within a tight radius of their settlements and village. Many cultures travelled by foot to have more availability to food supplies. Health benefits were gained from hunting and gathering, planting, growing, harvesting and preparing the food. There was a deep spiritual connection with the land and the produce that fed and nurtured their bodies and souls. Since the industrial revolution, we have lost the connection to our food source and the land, cities have grown and the processing, packaging and preserving of food has meant we can have whatever food we want at any time of the year.
The results of this have been a huge increase in obesity, diabetes, cancer and other health problems for all indigenous races that have adopted a Western diet, and of course for ourselves as well. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and other countries throughout the Pacific are facing an epidemic of non-communicable health problems. These are directly related to the increased consumption of unhealthy imported processed foods, the neglect of traditional food systems, and lifestyle changes, including decreased physical activity.
Eating foods that are locally grown and in season is becoming easier for us here in Australia as Farmers and Growers markets are fast appearing in many rural areas as well as in the cities. Unfortunately we have had to reach a crisis point with our health, the environment and our food security for this to be the case. Eating locally sourced and seasonal foods has many health benefits, the most important being that they have higher nutrient levels and taste a whole lot better than food that has travelled vast distances and may have sat in cold storage for up to 18 months. In America, several "Farm to School" case studies have shown that not only are the children involved in the studies making healthier food choices when they know where their food comes from and how it is grown, but they also influence their parents in their grocery shopping and cooking choices.
As more and more schools are now teaching children about growing food, we hope see a turnaround in our eating habits. Education of these young people is the best way of regrowing our connection to the land and to the food that nurtures and heals us.
By tuning ourselves to the seasons, eating locally grown foods and having a deep connection with the environment we live in, if possible growing some of our own foods as well, we can live a healthier life with fewer ailments and illnesses as well as creating a sense of harmony and peace for ourselves and for Mother Earth.
Suzanne Staples ND DBM Naturopath Herbalist Homeopath Email suzestaples@gmail.com Copyright Suzanne Staples