Our younger generation (Millennials to be precise, and younger teens too) are to be respected for making choices in line with their values. When it comes to food the focus is on sustainable – healthy for people and planet and inevitably more plant-based.
SUSTAINABLE food choices are to be encouraged – Food production accounts for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions; increasing plant-based foods in our diet is a good step towards a healthier planet (but I always stress beef and dairy can and should be sustainable options too – especially if pasture fed; they’re a valuable source of easily absorbable nutrients). The Watercress Company (TWC) protect biodiversity and ecosystems by carrying out an annual conservation value test on their water outflow, they are economically fair and affordable, and their production methods are safe and healthy while optimising natural resources. They also use biodegradable chilled packaging and when watercress is out of season in the UK over the winter, they transport it from their British farm in Florida using only spare space on Virgin Atlantic Flights! They also develop COMMUNITY based projects, currently supplying free surplus watercress to a community kitchen which is part of the @endhungerUK campaign and collaborating with their local Dorset county hospital Cancer Care unit.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE demands nourishing recovery drinks and in today’s climate of ‘keeping sport clean’, natural nutrients are surely to be encouraged – Vitamin C and antioxidants are valuable in reducing oxidative stress which occurs during intense sport and can lead to DNA damage and prolonged return to training. Oxidative stress can also weaken the immune system, so a great source of Vitamin C, like watercress, can be a valuable ingredient in any sports recovery drink. Moreover, watercress is a low sugar, low salt food with its high protein content accounting for half its calories!
So, calling all Teens and Millennials!
Smoothie it, soup it, salad it, drink it…however you choose to enjoy it, Watercress is a fabulous green and one worth celebrating!
‘Lucy is our Registered Nutritionist and Love British Food Ambassador
With a Masters’ degree from King’s College, London, she works to inform and inspire better health for all. Previously a Vet and with a family of her own, her Nutrition Consultancy aims to promote happier, healthier lives by sharing an understanding of sustainable, good food choices amid confusing ‘healthy eating’ messages. Lucy provides evidence-based nutrition support for British food producers with a sustainable focus, keen to communicate the health benefits of their produce. You can read more here https://lwnutrition.co.uk/foodlinks/, or contact Lucy for any enquiries: info@lwnutrition.co.uk‘
References:
1 NDNS: National Diet and Nutrition Survey, UK. Continuous survey carried out by Public Health England and the Food Standards Agency to assess the nation’s food intake. Data taken from latest update, 2018.
2Sender, S., Fuschs, S., Milo, R (2016) Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/036103v1
3Valdes, A.M., Walter, J., Segal, F., Spector, T (2018) Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health
British Medical Journal: 361 K2179
Share:
Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with our latest news and events.
The campaign Love British Food, the national food celebrations ‘British Food Fortnight’ and their associated logos are trademarked and must not be used without the express permission of the owners, Love British Food. Companies or individuals wanting to use the logos or run promotions and activity in association with British Food Fortnight or Love British Food can work with Love British Food as a member or partner or with permission from the founder.
Love British Food