The exploded population of the world has drastically reduced the nutrients in our soils. This jejune diet can lead to many health problems. Fortunately, backyard food production can help meet human nutritional needs. Let’s explore a few sources of vitamins, nutrients, and healthy foods. Let’s start with vegetables and fruits. In general, these are good sources of vitamin A and C.
Nutrition
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to obtain enough vitamins and nutrients through backyard food production. This has led to a jejune diet, resulting in health problems, and a dearth of nutrients in our food. The answer? Backyard food production! Fresh, local food is the best way to get the nutrients you need.
Sources of essential vitamins
One way to boost household food security is to cultivate a home garden. Backyard gardening is an inexpensive, convenient way to produce diverse plant and animal foods. Besides increasing dietary intake, backyard gardens increase the bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals.
For example, vitamin A deficiency is a major concern in developing countries, as it leads to a wide range of complications in pregnant women and children. It is also responsible for six to eight percent of all deaths in children under five years old in Africa and Asia. Homestead food production programs can address these problems, as well as improve the quality of people’s diet. Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of a variety of chronic illnesses, including depression, obesity, and heart disease.
A recent study found that children in households that developed backyard gardens had more consumption of vitamin A-rich foods, such as yellow fruits and green leafy vegetables. In contrast, children in households without backyard gardens and those with traditional gardens consumed less vitamin A-rich foods. The results suggest that backyard gardening is an excellent way to increase the intake of vitamin A-rich foods for children.
Methods of obtaining healthy, nutritious foods
Backyard food production provides a cheap source of nutritive foods. It is a versatile source of plant and animal foods that will increase your dietary intake while boosting the bioavailability of nutrients. Backyard food production is especially useful for families that are concerned about addressing the problems of food insecurity and malnutrition. In addition, home gardens can help you generate an income.
