Lifestyle

3 Health Benefits of Cooking Outdoors

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2023

Do you like cooking outside — perhaps even during the wintertime? It can be a pleasant experience cooking on your patio deck if you prefer to avoid feeling cooped up behind the four walls of your kitchen. But did you know there are also some health benefits of cooking outside?

Continue reading for three reasons why cooking outdoors can be good for your health.

Fresh Air

Your kitchen can get stuffy if you’re cooking up a storm. Are you used to having all four of your stove burners going as you make a multi-course meal for a family gathering? Depending on the menu, your kitchen could be filled with all sorts of aromas. Even the best-smelling cuisine can overwhelm you if the scents are confined to a small area. Opening a window can help, but you might still lack the fresh air you want. That’s why cooking outside makes sense.

Cooking out in the open air means you’ll be able to breathe in fresh air. According to one source, fresh air cleans your lungs, boosts your energy levels, reduces your heart rate, and improves your digestion.

So, the next time you use your flat top grill to cook up a storm on the patio deck, remember that you and yours will be healthier cooking and eating outdoors. It’s the right thing to do, and you and yours will enjoy gathering on the back deck for family time.

Vitamin D

Another reason to cook outside is that you can get exposure to the sun, which will get you some vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient you can get through your diet and a hormone your body manufactures. The benefits of vitamin D are many. For instance, research suggests it can reduce cancer cell growth, lessen inflammation, and help fight infections. Vitamin D is also needed to help your body absorb phosphorus and calcium, which are required for bone building.

While you can get some vitamin D through your food, few foods naturally contain the essential vitamin. That’s why many people rely on supplements to get the vitamin D they want. But another way to get vitamin D is the sunshine. So, cooking outside will allow you to get your daily dose of vitamin D. Of course, too much of a good thing can be bad.

If you don’t have a patio cover providing some covering, you’ll want to wear a hat, use suntan lotion, or limit your direct exposure to the sun.

Mental Health

Spending time outside in green spaces can benefit your mental health. Do you have a garden in your backyard? Have you invested in creating a great outdoor living space? Cooking outside, where you can enjoy relaxing, can bring significant mental health benefits. For instance, it can improve your mood, lessen feelings of stress, and boost your connection to nature.

If you enjoy cooking in a kitchen, you’ll enjoy cooking out on the back deck even more. And knowing that being outside in a green space can help your mental health, you’ll enjoy it all the more. It’s also been shown that families that eat together can improve mental health. So, that’s all the more reason to cook outdoors and enjoy a meal as a family outside.

As you can see, there are various health reasons to cook outdoors rather than indoors. So, while that doesn’t mean you have to cook all your meals outside, doing so occasionally is a good idea. You and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of not only cooking outside, but also enjoying meals and family time in the great outdoors.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.