more than food for thought

Folk wisdom in Japan says that one should eat 30 different foods types every day. Counting herbs, spices, oils, nuts and seeds, it is  estimated that the typical Italian diet contains approximately 60 different food groups. The comparable estimate for the typical Western diet is just 20 food groups. So it may not be the high olive oil content and low level of saturated fats in the Mediterranean diet which confer the well-known benefits: it may be the variety as well. This would explain the French anomaly, where the consumption of butter, cream and cheese is legendary, but where freshness and variety of herbs and vegetables are also paramount.

                                Dr  Carole Hungerford. 2009.  Good Health in the 21st Century,  pp10,11.

If I was honest, I would have to admit that there are more than a few days when I would be challenged to eat even that paltry 20 food groups. 

 Note to self - do better for my own sake!

Potassium (K) – Supplying the spark plug to your soil!

Soil: Light sandy soils contain very little clay, which is the storage medium for potassium. In these soils potassium is easily leached so it is a good idea to spoon feed (little amounts applied often). Heavier soils have much better potassium storage, but they will still need recharging from time to time. Liquid correctives are very effective when potassium needs recharging.

Plants: Potassium acts like a sparkplug which triggers over 50 enzymes within the plant. There is a higher requirement for potassium during the filling of fruit and seed. A liquid corrective can be an invaluable input. Potassium also helps to build disease resistance, strengthens cells, buffers temperature extremes and regulates the opening and closing of stomata (also stomata; plural stomata,  is a pore, found in the leaf and stem epidermis that is used for gas exchange).

Plant Deficiency:  This is the most mobile of all minerals so deficiency symptoms will appear first on the older leaves. This potassium shortage in lower leaves can trigger disease in many crops. The brown spots that appear on the lower leaves of tomato plants are a symptom of potassium deficiency. Potassium deficient leaves often have scorched edges. Fruit and see will be small and often shrivelled and the fruit will lack flavour. 

People: Potassium is an important electrolyte that plays a critical role in muscles, heart, kidney and nerve function. The ratio between sodium and potassium in the diet has an impact upon kidney health and associated issues with high blood pressure. Those suffering hypertension should increase their potassium input while reducing sodium intake. Potatoes, bananas, avocados and apricots are rich in potassium.

Link: Backyard Blooms