By Ayo Oyoze Baje
As the nation’s game – changer in the fertile fields of agriculture and tourism XtraLarge Farms and Resorts has come up again as the pacesetter in the unique concept of “Foodspital”. But what really is this all about? That is the million -naira question. Interestingly, the answer is not far fetched.
As the name rightly suggests it is a concept focused on using food as a form of medicine. That reminds us of the popular quote by the Greek physician, Herotodus who aptly admonished that: ” Let your food be your medicine and your medicine, be your food”. With regards to the Foodspital that is specifically so for treating ailments with carefully selected, organic food items. Indeed, it has come up as part of the wave-making XtraLarge Farms and Resorts’ broader vision to promote healthy, natural food and sustainable agriculture.
According to Dr. Moji Davids, the highly innovative and commuted Managing Director of the company, Foodspital is a place where ailments, including seemingly difficult ones, are treated using a carefully curated selection of organic foods recommended to patients.
Beyond the company’s noble vision to raise a generation of passionate farmers and build a strong consumer base for organic food, the promotion of the consumption of organic food items would ensure a new generation of healthy individuals, communities and countries. It is however, important to understand the immense benefits of organic food and its production.
Essentially, organic foods offer several benefits, including potentially higher nutritional value, reduced exposure to pesticides and harmful chemicals, and positive environmental impacts. Furthermore, organic farming practices also support animal welfare and promote biodiversity.
On the health issue us the reduced pesticide exposure:
Organic foods are grown without or with fewer synthetic pesticides, resulting in lower levels of pesticide residues. These lead to
higher nutrient content: In fact, some studies suggest that organic foods may contain higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
There is also the reduced antibiotic exposure: Organic livestock farming prohibits the routine use of antibiotics, potentially reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Currently, there is ample evidence of the
potential for improved gut health: Organic diets may be associated with a lower risk of certain health issues like eczema and allergies in children, possibly due to reduced pesticide exposure.
And some studies suggest that organic food intake is associated with lower rates of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiovascular disease.
With regards to environmental:
soil health, organic farming practices focus on building healthy soil, which can improve water retention, reduce erosion, and promote biodiversity. It also reduces pollution: Organic farming minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can pollute water sources and contribute to air pollution.
As for the critical issue of biodiversity, organic farms can support a greater variety of plant and animal life compared to conventional farms. When it comes to Climate Change Mitigation,
organic farming can help to sequester carbon in the soil, potentially mitigating climate change. And it require less energy input compared to conventional farming, leading to lower carbon emissions.
Other benefits concern animal welfare: Organic farming standards often include provisions for animal welfare, such as access to pasture and outdoor space.
There is also the support for local farmers because buying organic food can support local farmers and contribute to the local economy.
Some people find that organic foods have a better taste and flavour due to the natural ripening and development of the produce. It is Genetuically Modified Organism -Free: It prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms.
What makes Foodspital appealing are the true testimonials from some members of the XtraLarge Farms family who have suffered from one debilitating illness or the other but we’re cured through strict adherence to some nutritious food items and the avoidance of others. For instance, the MD, Moji Davids has explained how selected food items saved her from the trauma of fatty liver challenge. Some others were similarly saved from certain diseases including diabetes -2, stroke, hypertension, kidney and gut infections.
The healing power of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins A,B3,B6, C, D, E and K is no longer in doubt. That is similarly so with minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. In addition are cell-protecting anti-oxidants, polyphenols, quercetin, folate, omega 3 fatty acids and beta carotene, which is also called Vitamin A
All these are naturally available in different types of fruits, dark green vegetables , nuts, oils and fatty fish.
Sustained enlightenment on the health benefits of the foods we consume on daily basis has become necessary. And that is exactly what the Foodspital is bringing to every family table.
Big kudos to XtraLarge Farms and Resort.