22 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com “We’re all part of this food chain,” said Abigail King, a functional nutritionist helping patients restore balance in their body – and in their life. “Seeking out locally sourced foods is hugely important for the sustainability of food production and for nutrient density in our food.” Farmers markets and local networks of food producers are making sustainability for the gut and the group possible. Harrison R. Chapman, manager of the Charleston and West Ashley Farmers Market, is noticing this trend among customers: “People are becoming more aware of their health in terms of healthy eating habits and more in tune with the nutritional factors that play into purchasing locally while also being more aware of the environmental impact it has on our planet.” “If produce in big-box stores is traveling thousands of miles to get to your plate … the nutritional value has decreased by an alarming amount compared to what you ingest from locally sourced ingredients harvested at the peak of ripeness,” said Chapman. Harvests distributed by big-box locations have had the chance to drop in nutritional value. Spinach is susceptible to losing 90% of its vitamin C content in the 24 hours following
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