The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops but the cultivation and perfection of human beings—Masanobu Fukuoka (Japanese farmer and philosopher).
Just like my colleague said in the quote above, we farmers should look beyond the eating, selling, and related monetary benefits of farming and take a further step towards examining the relevance of farming to human health. This is why I will be picking a few crops on my farm to examine their health benefits and relevance to humans.
Although the mango season is over and the trees on my farm are pretty much fruitless, the leaves have some health benefits to us as humans.
Mango leaves are used in combating diabetes and cancer. Of course this can only be done under the strict guidance of a medical practitioner so we can know the right quantity and usage.
Aside from the above medicinal values of mango leaves, it can also be used in the treatment of stomach ulcers. One very interesting thing about the mango tree itself is that the back of the tree has some gum, which is also very medicinal and can be used as dressings for cracked feet and scabies infection.
"Nature has its way of blessing us, if we are interested in finding out how" -Samiwrites.
Another blessing of nature on my farm is Pawpaw. This crop's seed and leaves also have their health benefits. Pawpaw is also known as papaya, and it aids digestion. The seeds also have some compounds that support liver health. Pawpaw leaves are also used in treating fever, asthma, and several other illnesses. Unripe pawpaw can also be used in cooking meats, which is basically to make them tender.
Tomato leaves are also on the list of plants with health benefits. They are used in preventing cancer and are also relevant to bladder, colon, and lung health. They are equally used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Tomato leaves can be used in preparing delicacies. The fruit can be consumed raw, as this is good for gut health and can also help in reducing heart disease and blood pressure.
In case you want to lose weight, cure malaria, or clean your liver, then you should consider a bitter leaf plant. According to research, bitter leaf treats up to 25 common conditions.
There are so many plants and crops on my farm with several health benefits, and the happy thing is their supply is in abundance.
Let your dietitians or doctors guide you on the application of any of my recommendations.
Having a green mentality breeds cultivation and growth; as a farmer with these attributes, one can expect nothing but nature's rewards in the form of these health supplements and other natural remedies as cures for health challenges.
There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that cultivation is not limited to crops but extended to humans; farmers will forever be relevant to the human race.
ALL IMAGE CREDITS ARE BY ME
