Desert Health News - January-February 2025

This year, Tommy and I had the opportunity to return to Italy. With a desire to slow down and indulge in the best regional cuisine, we decided to skip the cities and head to the countryside. A friend recommended Le Mandrie Di San Paolo, an agritourism farm outside of Assisi, where everything served is made on property, and I couldn’t think of anything better! So, we headed to the Umbria region where the small hill town was located. Umbria is known as Italy’s “cuore verde” (green heart) for its agriculture and landscape, which was enticing for me as a gluten-free (GF) vegetarian. The region also produces succulent gold-green olive oil, rich red wines, a variety of sheep’s milk cheeses and many diverse grains. Heaven! From previous research, I knew we’d find plenty of GF options. Few are aware that celiac disease is an epidemic in Italy and citizens diagnosed (over the age of 10) receive a monthly stipend of 140 euros to purchase GF foods. As such, restaurants there offer far greater variety of GF options than in the United States. However, many have asked me if the wheat in Italy is “better” and OK to eat if you are gluten- sensitive. The short answer is: some of it. It seems to come down to two things: the type of grains used and agricultural regulations. In the United States, 60 percent of the wheat produced is red wheat which is soft and fluffy and has a longer shelf life. It also contains more proteins, including gluten, which makes bread doughy. Italians use a variety of flours, but those made from wheat still contain gluten, so you have to ask about the type of flour used. Those with celiac should certainly stick to those certified as GF. I asked the proprietors at Le Mandrie if any of their beautiful breads were made without wheat and was introduced to one containing six different GF grains, including garbanzo bean and buckwheat. The family makes it themselves and is proud to tell you everything about it. It was perfect and WOW did it taste incredible with their www.thymeandspacegardens.com Have you always dreamt of growing your own food? While growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruit can be a rich and fulfilling hobby, it also offers numerous benefits backed by science and research. Here are the top six reasons why you should consider growing your own food: Improved nutrition and food quality. Homegrown produce is fresher and more nutrient-dense than store-bought alternatives. Did you know fruits and vegetablesgrowninnutrient-richsoilhaveprofoundly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to those harvested commercially? This is because home gardeners can control the quality of the soil and avoid the preservatives and chemicals used in industrial farming. A healthier diet and reduced pesticide exposure. Growing your own food also allows you to avoid commercial agriculture’s pesticides and herbicides which often remain even after washing. By opting for organic gardening methods or simply growing food in your own yard, you greatly lower the risk of chemical exposure and enjoy cleaner, safer produce. Environmental sustainability. Home gardening is an environmentally-friendly practice that contributes to sustainability for humans and wildlife. Growing your own food also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation. By cultivating local seasonal produce, you lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for long-distance food transportation. Additionally, personal organic micro-farming uses no synthetic fertilizers and thus reduces the strain on water resources, an important factor in our desert community. Economic savings. Growing your own food can also lead to huge savings on groceries, especially if you already buy organic produce and herbs. The investment of initial costs (raised beds, fencing, seeds, soil and tools) pay off quickly and creates economic stability through reduced dependency on commercial food markets in unstable times. Mental health benefits. Did you know gardening helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression? Being surrounded by or tending to plants can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, promote mindfulness and boost mood significantly improving mental well-being. Just 30minutes of gardening can reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of relaxation and happiness. 1 It allows busy individuals time to reconnect with nature, providing a sense of peace, purpose and accomplishment, and reducing the mental strain of our modern life. Educational and community benefits. Gardening is also an excellent way to foster learning for both individuals and families. Family and community gardening projects have been linked to improved social connections and stronger bonds. These activities encourage cooperation, promote local food security, and raise awareness about sustainable practices, benefiting families, neighborhoods and society as a whole. 2 Growing your own food offers numerous benefits. Many have seen firsthand the significantly positive impact that home vegetable gardening can have on their personal well-being, their family’s well-being and the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start growing today! Natalie Meyerhoff is a University of California master gardener and founder of Thyme & Space Gardens. She can be reached at hello@thymeandspacegardens.com and (760) 896.1446. Visit www.thymeandspacegardens.com. References: 1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016920462030325X?via%3Dihub; 2) https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/ lessons/program-tools/benefits-and-research/key-findings/ www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2025 Continued on page 23 The benefits of a home garden outweigh the time and cost. Homemade bread at Le Mandrie, Assisi, Italy Mushroom carpaccio, one of many unique and flavorful vegetarian dishes Fresh Cuisine The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 22 Thank You! LA QUINTA 79050 Highway 111 at Adams Street INDIAN WELLS 74895 Highway 111 at Cook Street PALM SPRINGS 5200 E. Ramon Road at Gene Autry Trail SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET Desert Health is proud to once again be featured in Sprouts FarmersMarket. Thank you for stopping by to pick up your copy! The Coachella Valley’s 1 st Kitchen Garden Company We will build and maintain your dream vegetable garden Plan • Personal 1:1 consultation • Onsite assessment • Raise beds designed for your needs Install • Organic living soils • Custom water-conscious drip irrigation • Highest quality plants and seeds Maintain • Weekly visits and continuous harvest • Integrated pest management (IPM) • Seasonal redesign and replant Private Residence Commercial Property Club Facilities Natalie Meyerhoff, M.Ed. Founder and CEO University of California Certied Master Gardener B.A. Environmental Analysis and Design Landscape Certication Coachella Valley Water District Active Member California Native Plant Society Proudly Serving: Rancho Mirage • Palm Desert • Indian Wells Bermuda Dunes • La Quinta • Indio 760.896.1446 thymeandspacegardens.com hello@timeandspacegardens.com thymeandspacegardens Complimentary On-site Consultation for Desert Health Readers ($150 value; must book by 2/5/25) 6 Reasons to Grow Your Own Food By Natalie Meyerhoff, MEd Gluten-free in Italy By Lauren Del Sarto