Page 4 - BrockCoNewsletter-MarApr2025

Spice It Up: LAVENDER

Lavender isn’t just for candles and soap cereal, dips, fish, poultry, and other dishes that Of course, there are health benefits of using

anymore – it’s in your co ee, cakes, and pasta. can use a light enhancement. this plant in your food and beverages:
It is having a moment. Of course, fresh or dried lavender can be used, • The polyphenols in lavender can aid digestion
The buzz started in 2020, with lavender too. Fresh fl owers are in season from May • Phytonutrients can strengthen immunity
popping up on restaurant menus. Recently, through September. Find a variety whose
it stole the spotlight at a major food show smell and taste match your palette. The French • Its soothing smell can reduce stress hormones
featured in drinks, sweets, and savory dishes. species is stronger than its English cousin. Lavender is good for the palate, body, and
Why the hype? Lavender’s calming e ects, Lavender pairs well with lemon. Chefs like to mind. It brings a delicate calm and brilliant

health benefits, and love of the color on social use it in place of rosemary. flavor to a world of foods. So, grab some

media have made it a favorite for people looking Tip: Lavender is easy to grow at home! With lavender and sprinkle a little into your day!
to relax and stay trendy.
plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, you Source:
At home, consumers can use syrups, honeys, can have fresh lavender in your backyard or https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/
and drink mixes to quickly add a taste of even a sunny windowsill pot. dining/lavender-spice-springtime.html
lavender to drinks, smoothies, baked goods,

Focus on Wellne : GREEN THUMBS UP

Looking for a new way to stay active? Head consume more fi ber, a substance most don’t
to your backyard! Gardening might be the get enough of. Whether it’s tomatoes,
ultimate workout. It’s like cross-training carrots, or fresh herbs, homegrown produce
with plants. tastes better and gives you a sense of pride
every time you take a bite.
Digging, raking, pulling weeds, and lifting
pots may not seem like exercise, but they Yardwork is not only good for the body; it’s
work your body in surprising ways. These good for the mind. Gardeners are outdoors
natural movements, like squatting, bending, and working in the sun, which improves
and walking, make gardening a low-impact the mood. People in gardening groups
activity that builds strength and improves also get the mental boost that comes from
cardiovascular health, all without needing a socializing. Pulling weeds releases stress and
gym membership or complicated routines. is an activity where the mind can wander. It’s
But, like any workout, you need to ease into a win-win for your body and your brain.
it. People who jump into gardening have an We’re all looking for ways to live healthier,
increased risk of injury and heart attacks. and gardening delivers. It’s exercise, healthy
Warm up with some stretches, take breaks, eating, and stress relief all rolled into one. So
and focus on proper techniques when lifting, grab a shovel, plant some seeds, and enjoy an
raking, or digging. Think of it as training activity that feeds the stomach and the soul.
your green thumb and your body!
Source:
Most gardeners have great diets. Because https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-
they eat what they grow, gardeners eat more and-fi tness/gardening-and-yard-work-
vegetables each day than people who don’t till exercise-with-a-purpose
the soil. A recent study found that gardeners