DUBAI: The movement towards cultivating homegrown foods is seeing a steady rise, as more individuals embrace small-scale gardening for its health and lifestyle benefits. Nutritionists are highlighting how homegrown produce, especially microgreens and herbs, can naturally enhance gut health and strengthen immunity.
Freshly harvested greens contain higher levels of nutrients compared to store-bought alternatives that often lose potency during transit and storage. Foods such as spinach, kale, basil, and mint, when grown at home, are richer in antioxidants, enzymes, and essential vitamins. These compounds support digestive balance and feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Gut health plays a crucial role in immune defence. Over 70 per cent of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut, and maintaining a diverse and nourished gut microbiome can significantly reduce inflammation and susceptibility to illness. Incorporating freshly picked greens and herbs into daily meals helps reinforce this protective mechanism.
Experts also point to the mental and emotional wellness benefits of gardening. The act of growing food fosters mindfulness, reduces stress, and gives a sense of accomplishment. Children especially benefit from learning where food comes from, building healthier eating habits from an early age.
Homegrown food also supports sustainability, as it reduces reliance on packaged produce and lowers food waste. Even in urban apartments, vertical gardens, balcony pots, and hydroponic systems offer easy ways to grow nutritious greens all year round.
Health professionals recommend starting with simple, fast-growing plants like arugula, coriander, and wheatgrass, which can be harvested within weeks. This approach not only improves physical well-being but also builds a deeper connection to food and nature.
