Vegetables: our vitamin pills

with Tom Cowan

“Eat your veggies!” We’ve heard this over and over and today we learn more about the “why” behind the charge! Author and holistic physician Dr. Tom Cowan refers to vegetables as our vitamin pills. They’re not primarily for calories or protein in our diet. We need their disease-fighting properties: the phytonutrients, the antioxidants, the minerals and vitamins that they offer! Vegetables help protect us against cancer, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, and more.

Did you know that some indigenous groups thrived eating 10-15 different vegetables a day? And over 100 in a year? Tom recommends that we follow their example by diversifying the vegetables on our plates. He also explains why vegetables should complement, but not replace, fats and proteins in the diet.

Eating more vegetables might seem like a chore. Tom admits that he used to spend a lot of time chopping and preparing veggies but not anymore. In today’s episode, he reveals how he manages to eat plenty of vegetables without spending all of his time in the kitchen. You will certainly be inspired by all of the helpful information he shares about the critical role vegetables play in our overall health and you will discover practical tips for introducing a greater variety into your own diet.

Learn more about the vegetable powders he prepares here: drcowansgarden.com.

Notes

When following the Wise traditions diet, it’s can be easy forget how important it is to eat our veggies. In fact, we might wonder: are veggies even necessary in a diet that contains so many nutrient-dense animal foods?

The answer is yes! Tom Cowan joins us today to clear up some of the confusion on the role of vegetables in the diet. Our bodies are fueled by animal fats and proteins as well as carbohydrates from seeds. nuts, and grains. Vegetables provide us with the phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals which humans need to stay healthy. Traditional diets include a wide variety of vegetables, but not necessarily a large quantity of them.

Trying to maximize the diversity in his diet, Tom used to spend a lot of time chopping and preparing veggies– but not anymore. Today he reveals how he manages to eat plenty of vegetables without spending all his time in the kitchen.

This episode highlights:

How some indigenous groups thrived eating 10-15 different vegetables a day and over 100 in a year.
The disease-fighting properties of veggies
Why we should be eating roots, leaves, fruits, flowers, annuals, perennials, and wild-growing veggies
Why vegetables should complement but not replace fats and proteins in the diet
The science of growing flavorful veggies (a combination of variety, soil, and timing)
How miron jars can be used to preserve vegetables
The way that Tom’s powdered vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of his meals