M6.7 Obseogens

Seasonal Foods

According to Holly Freishtat, author of Seasonal Foods: a New Menu for Public Health, locally grown foods are those that are harvested in season and defined by regional growing conditions. There are a wide variety of fruits an vegetables in season in the state of California during the winter months. Some examples of these fruits and veggies are broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and clementines.  

Hospitals can utilize seasonal menus, those created in consideration to what foods are local to the region during that season, to create a menus focused on public health. By serving seasonal fruits they provide patients, medical providers, and visitors with more nutrient-dense foods and reduce the harmful effects of food transportation on global climate change.     

California Zone 8 

Obseogens 

I have never heard of the term obesogens prior to reading this article. I am very interested by the term and honestly quite surprised I have not heard of it before. I have taken some nutrition courses and the chemical effects of foods and correlation to obesity was not introduced as a contributor to the overwhelmingly increasing condition.  
The obesogens considered endocrine disruptors surprised me the most. Phthalates, a chemicals in everyday items, such as air fresheners, laundry products, and personal care products can contribute to obesity. 
It is no wonder the rates of obesity are so high. Not only dose our lack of nutrient-dense food and limited physical activity play a role, but products that we use (not ingested) also play a role in weight gain. This is truly alarming and concerning.