On Nutrition: Take it from a plant
The dry spell that hit hard this year has taken a toll on our horse and cattle pastures. Yet I can't help but be amazed at the persistence of these centuries-old prairie grasses to survive. This morning as I surveyed the ground after a well-needed rain, I was struck by the valiant effort of tiny green sprigs beginning to emerge from the sandy soil.
We could learn from these plants. They are exposed to constant changes in their surroundings and must adapt to their circumstances. They require adequate nutrition to grow efficiently. And they also need the fortitude to endure changing weather and attacks from outside forces. Sound familiar?
Besides what a plant needs from the outside - essential nutrients, water and sunlight - much of its ability to thrive comes from substances it produces from within - what scientists call "bioactive compounds." Like the label, these are biologically active chemicals, produced naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils and whole grains, that protect the plant's health and well-being.
We humans also benefit from these protective substances in plants. Ever heard the advice to eat a rainbow of colors on your plate? That's because many of these beneficial compounds reside in the pigments that give plants their unique colors.
Lycopene, for example, is a bioactive substance in red-tinted plant foods that protects a plant from excessive sun damage. We may choose a rich, red tomato for its flavor and high nutrient content. But lycopene is an added bonus. It acts as a powerful antioxidant to help protect our bones, eyes, kidneys, heart and nervous system from damage.
Other plants defend themselves from predators by producing bioactive substances that elicit distinct smells. Cabbage and broccoli, for example, release a scent that attracts an insect that in turn eats a type of caterpillar that typically likes to snack on these two vegetables. Fascinating.
Terpenes are another group of these bioactive fragrances that benefit humans. Found in tea, thyme, lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits, these compounds don't protect us from caterpillars. But they have been proven to be strong fighters against inflammation associated with metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Experts at Brightseed-a science and technology company focused on human health-tell us that "every action of a plant is meticulously designed to promote its long-term survival." When we in turn consume these plant-based foods, the unique compounds they produce can trigger "a cascade of biological benefits" to our human bodies.
Perhaps we can emulate those tiny sprigs of green that don't give up the fight to thrive. And we may wish to adhere to these words that my mom, a gifted china painter, lovingly etched on a plate that hangs in my kitchen: "Bloom where you are planted."
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