Food Is Health
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
The old saying “you are what you eat” has never felt more urgent, or more accurate. Across the country, rising rates of chronic illness are forcing communities to reconsider a simple but powerful truth: our health begins with our food. What we choose to put on our plates each day shapes not only our energy levels, but our long-term well-being, resilience, and quality of life.
In this context, the need for more local farmers has become increasingly clear. When food is grown close to home, it is often fresher, more nutrient-dense, and less reliant on preservatives or long transportation chains. Local agriculture also strengthens communities, keeping dollars circulating nearby and fostering relationships between growers and consumers. In places like Alaska, where supply chains can be fragile, investing in local food systems is not just beneficial, it’s essential.
One of the simplest ways to begin improving personal health is by examining what we eat daily. This doesn’t require drastic or unrealistic changes. Instead, it starts with awareness: reading ingredient labels, choosing whole foods over processed ones, and prioritizing freshness and quality. Many people find that even small shifts, like cooking more meals at home or sourcing ingredients locally, can lead to noticeable improvements in energy, digestion, and overall health.
Eggs are a prime example of how local food can make a difference. Fresh, locally raised chicken eggs are rich in high-quality protein, vitamins such as B12 and D, and essential fats that support brain function. Duck eggs, often overlooked, contain even more protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutrient powerhouse. Goose eggs, though less common, are larger and packed with vitamins A and E, contributing to immune health and skin vitality. When these eggs come from local farms, they are typically fresher and produced under more natural conditions, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
Vegetables, too, play a foundational role in health. Potatoes, often misunderstood, are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for vision and immune support. Onions, a staple in countless dishes, contain antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health and reduce inflammation. When grown locally, these vegetables are harvested at peak ripeness, preserving more of their nutrients compared to produce that travels long distances.
The broader message is clear: improving health doesn’t require exotic diets or expensive supplements. It begins with reconnecting to real food, food that is grown, raised, and shared within our own communities. Supporting local farmers is not just an economic choice; it is an investment in collective health and resilience.
As more people begin to take a closer look at what’s on their plates, a quiet transformation is taking place, one meal at a time. And here in the Mat-Su Valley, it’s worth recognizing places like Nature’s Remedies, which is part of a growing movement that values quality, locality, and a return to nourishing traditions.
Nature’s Remedies is located at 591 E. Parks Hwy. #406 in Wasilla. Phone: 907-357-4367.