Food Crisis 16: Importance of Fruits in Our Diet - But where have all the fruits gone?

Food Crisis 16 

Importance of Fruits in Our Diet

But where have all the fruits gone?

Dr Abe V Rotor

 Fruits that used to grace the dining table of the Filipino family, painting in 

acrylic by AVRotor, 2021.  Can you identify the fruits in the painting? 

Fruits - hallmark of bountiful harvest overflowing from Ceres' basket in Greek and Roman mythology.  

Fruits - season after season come in different kinds in rich diversity
that satisfies every palate.

Fruits - source of essential vitamins and minerals that keep good health, no meat products can sufficiently provide. 

Fruits - source of calories, enzymes, natural fiber, natural medicine that regulate body physiology.

Fruits - provide health-boosting antioxidants, flavonoids, reduce risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes.

Fruits - low in saturated fat, salt, sugar, help in losing weight, or prevent  weight gain, lower blood pressure. 

Fruits - backyard plants every home must have, around the house, empty lots, along the fence, inside and outside.

Fruits - native species adapted to the place through generations, which introduced and foreign species may fail. 

Fruits - modified horticulturally by modern agriculture, to suit market demands, have been disturbed of their natural vigor.

Fruits - preference of imported ones over native kinds led to neglect of local varieties, and agricultural programs. 

Fruits - high cost, coupled with lack of supply, are virtually unaffordable by citizens, their lack as a consequence is cause of poor health. 

Fruits - thought resistant to vagaries of nature, are susceptible to force majeure created and intensified by global warming.  

Fruits - short shelf life and improper handling and processing, result in  huge production and post-harvest losses.

Fruits - challenge to agriculture, a wake up call to all concerned, to plant not merely trees, but with fruit trees termed agroforestry. ~ 

  

 Fruits used to grace the dining table of the Filipino family, 

details of painting displayed at Living with Nature Center

(San Vicente Botanical Garden), San Vicente Ilocos Sur.