MAILBAG: HEALTHIEST Vegetable Garden Choices?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 4, 2023
“I really love gardening and have decided I want to try my hand at a vegetable garden. My husband and I need to eat healthier as it is.
Do you have a vegetable garden? What would you recommend growing for the most health benefits?”
– Patricia from Lancaster, PA
Hi Patricia,
Yes, I grow a vegetable garden and love it.
The BIGGEST benefit of gardening is that you can control everything that goes onto (and into) your plants. Which means you can produce TRULY organic, pesticide-free produce.
That means it will be HEALTHIER and TASTIER.
When you garden, grow what you love
An old bit of parenting advice works perfectly for deciding what to grow in your veggie garden. It’s said that “the best vegetable to serve a child is the one that they’ll eat.”
The same is true for us adults too! For gardening, the best fruits and vegetables to grow are the ones you love to eat.
There are lots of websites that can help you figure out what will grow best in your region. Or you can check with your local master gardeners. Many organizations offer free “Ask a Master Gardner” service on their website or by phone.
Technically, the vegetables with the MOST health benefits are the ones in the cruciferous vegetable family, including broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and cabbage, as well as onions and garlic.
So if you like any of those, they’re all great options. But don’t limit yourself.
For example, in MY book, nothing beats having fresh tomatoes and basil just outside my doorstep. So I always include them in my garden plans.
As an added side benefit, it turns out that when you till the soil for planting, it releases microorganisms and organic compounds that studies show improve mood.
Best of luck with your new vegetable garden!
P.S. Statistically, if you’re a woman in a room with eight female friends, chances are one of you will eventually develop breast cancer. But it turns out a natural solution may be flying around your garden. CLICK HERE to find out what the buzz is about.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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