順秞湮圖

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The Voice - December 2024


Comment by Geoff

Geoff Juden

順秞湮圖 wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We have all survived a lot in 2024, with the hottest year on record. Just how this will prevail in 2025 nobody is sure. However, wherever we are we should at least look at sustainable methods for our food production, as well as supporting our own urban environments.

There is an availability within the hedgerows, parks, gardens and waterways to occasionally forage, and we are able to grow within our own home, whether it be a garden, a flat or by joining a community garden.

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In the meantime, enjoy the forthcoming seasons festivities, and then look around to see what you can achieve in 2025.

If you value having someone campaign on your behalf to protect the environment and having access to useful articles about gardening and local environmental matters, please make a donation to help us with the cost of maintaining 順秞湮圖.


Great Eastern Parks Route Walk

GE Park Route

Join us on a Christmas walk that will take in various east London green spaces, where you will learn about the history and nature in these precious spaces as well as plans for the Great Eastern Parks Route in east London.

The walk will also feature the London Highline, the site of the planned forest garden along the disused railway line.


Purslane

Purslane

In the vast world of plants, few herbs are as underrated yet potent as purslane. 

Often mistaken for an ordinary weed growing in gardens or sidewalks, purslane is actually a hidden superfood with an impressive nutritional profile.

This succulent green packs a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting compounds, making it an invaluable addition to a balanced diet. Ironically, what many people work to eliminate from their lawns could be the very key to a healthier life.

Lets uncover the extraordinary benefits of purslane and explore easy ways to incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into your daily routine.

Purslane, also known as common purslane, little hogweed, pigweed, fat weed, or pulse, is found worldwide and is often considered a nuisance. However in other parts of the globe, it's regularly eaten or used as medicine. In Mexico, it's called verdolaga and is included in recipes. In Chinese folklore, purslane is known as a vegetable for long life.

Because it's a succulent (a plant that can retain water), purslane thrives in climates that can't sustain a lot of other plants. Its sturdy nature makes it a great option for very dry, hot regions or for gardeners who dont trust themselves to water regularly.

This easily overlooked plant also provides a surprising number of health benefits. But you'll probably have to grow it yourself if you want to reap its nutritional rewards.

Health Benefits of Purslane
  1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
    As a rare plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid, purslane provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain function.
  2. Loaded with Antioxidants
    With high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, along with glutathione, purslane acts as a powerful antioxidant, shielding cells from damage, slowing ageing, and helping prevent chronic diseases.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory Power
    Purslanes omega-3s and bioactive compounds work together to reduce inflammation, easing discomfort from conditions like arthritis and supporting long-term health.
  4. Skin Health Champion
    The antioxidants in purslane make it beneficial for skincare, promoting a youthful glow, supporting healing, and protecting against environmental stress.
  5. Packed with Essential Minerals
    Purslane delivers a range of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall cellular health.
  6. Boosts Immunity with Vitamin C
    A rich source of vitamin C, purslane strengthens the immune system, aiding in disease prevention, tissue repair, and skin regeneration.
  7. High in Beta-Carotene
    As a precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene in purslane supports vision, immune function, and healthy skin.
  8. Natural Source of Melatonin
    Purslane contains melatonin, which can help regulate sleep cycles, improving sleep quality and supporting overall wellness.
  9. Supports Heart Health
    With its cholesterol-lowering effects, purslane helps reduce the risk of artery damage and manage LDL cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.
  10. Mood-Boosting Properties
    Containing tryptophan, an amino acid linked to serotonin production, purslane may help stabilise mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Importance of Gardening in Health

Gardening

Gardening isnt just a hobby; its a powerful tool for enhancing your mental health and quality of life. 

When you engage in gardening, youre not just planting seeds, youre participating in an activity that blends physical exercise, recreation and therapy.

This combination offers a unique pathway to boost your emotional and physical health, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

The hands-on nature of gardening gives you a sense of accomplishment and a connection to something greater. Whether nurturing plants in your backyard or participating in a community garden, these activities foster a therapeutic environment that supports your mental resilience and overall life satisfaction.

Recent research has uncovered compelling evidence that gardening significantly enhances health. In a 2024 review and meta-analysis published in the journal Systematic Reviews, researchers sought to identify the benefits of gardening on peoples mental health, well-being and quality of life.

The study authors said Our umbrella review based on existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses aimed to synthesise the state of knowledge on gardening-cantered activities impact on multiple well-being outcomes and evaluate the quality of the reviewed evidence.

After analysing multiple studies, they found that engaging in gardening activities leads to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as an overall increase in quality of life.

For instance, the meta-analysis conducted by the authors showed a 55% improvement in well-being measures among participants involved in various gardening interventions. These findings highlight the substantial benefits that gardening offers to both general and vulnerable populations, including individuals with dementia and other mental health conditions.

According to the authors The included reviews documented a positive effect of gardening and/or horticultural therapy on multiple measures of psychological well-being (e.g. neighbourhood cohesion, trust and social networking) and physiological well-being. All gardening activities and interventions appeared to provide benefits to psychological and/or physiological well-being.

Higher levels of well-being are strongly associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular ailments and diabetes. Engaging in gardening activities also encourages the adoption of healthy behaviours, including increased physical activity and better nutrition, which directly contribute to overall health enhancement.

Gardening also fosters emotional resilience by providing a therapeutic outlet for stress relief and promoting positive emotions. Studies have shown that regular gardening enhances your cognitive function, which improves your concentration and mental clarity. This blend of physical and mental stimulation makes gardening a valuable tool for maintaining your physical and psychological health.

People who engage in gardening activities report reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, lower stress levels and improved cognitive function. The hands-on nature of gardening also fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which are essential for mental health.

The researchers reported that Proximity to nature, because of gardening, infuses feelings of connectedness with nature that promotes positive effects, lifted mood and tranquillity. Spending time outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere can make people more mindful of the present, gain emotional resilience and combat stress through greater vitality.

When people engage in gardening, they often incorporate more physical tasks into their daily routines, such as digging, planting and weeding, these activities not only provide moderate exercise but also help you maintain a healthy weight and enhance physical fitness.

The physical activity involved in gardening plays a significant role in enhancing overall health. Regular gardening helps improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Moreover, the hands-on nature of gardening alleviates symptoms of conditions like arthritis by promoting joint movement and reducing stiffness.

By integrating physical exercise with recreational and therapeutic elements, gardening offers a holistic approach to well-being that supports sustained mental health and quality of life. It also has social benefits, particularly if you partake in a community garden.

This environment helps reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with mental health challenges.

By working together towards a common goal, individuals develop stronger social ties and enhance community resilience. The availability of green spaces promotes outdoor activities, encouraging a more active and healthier lifestyle among community members.

The researchers noted that Community gardening provides a safe and relaxed context for social interaction, which can counteract feelings of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among vulnerable groups such as people with pre-existing learning difficulties and mental health. It provides an opportunity for greater community cohesion and social connectedness, increasing ones network of social support.

To maximise the benefits of community gardening, providing accessible resources and support is essential. This involves ensuring that community gardens are available and easy to access for all members of the community, regardless of their socioeconomic status or physical abilities.

Providing gardening tools, educational workshops and assistance from trained horticultural therapists are all great ways to boost the success of community gardens.

Are you struggling to get enough sleep at night? Gardening can do wonders for that as well, since studies have found a positive connection between gardening and improved sleep.

One survey involving more than 62,000 participants, showed that those who engaged in gardening activities but didnt exercise had a much lower risk of sleep problems, as compared to participants who did neither. Gardeners also reported increased sleep quality.

Gardening also has noticeable positive effects against insomnia, daytime sleepiness and sleep apnoea, much like exercise.

Gardening is Good for You

The Hackney Buzzline

Bee on flower

By creating a flower-rich green corridor that links four parks we seek to support, conserve and boost local bee and butterfly populations. We want to help residents enjoy the beauty of bees and butterflies, explore their local green spaces, become more active and connect with nature.

presents a unique opportunity to engage residents in nature conservation. This will be pivotal to the success of Hackneys local and create a legacy of environmental consciousness and cooperation in the borough.

In particular, they aim to improve the green infrastructure on social housing estates, and enhance residents quality of life and well-being. It creates opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community interaction, fostering a stronger sense of neighbourhood belonging and pride.

They need the help of Hackney residents to make the borough bloom. Join by sharing photos of your greening efforts, whether its de-paving your front garden, growing pollinator-friendly plants on a balcony, or creating a mini wildflower patch.

Together, we can create a vibrant, interactive map of pollinator-friendly spaces across Hackney and inspire our community to take action for biodiversity.

Your photo and story will help build The Hackney Buzzline Community Map, a visual representation of Hackneys commitment to creating a pollinator corridor. Every submission strengthens the connection between green spaces, supports local wildlife, and inspires others to join the movement.


Cooking in a Different Way Purslane in Your Diet

In times of food costs, we should look around us to see what is available, as our forefathers had, here we take a look at Purslane.

Purslane is not only nutritious but also versatile in the kitchen, making it easy to add to a variety of meals for a health boost.

Eat It Raw
Salads: Add fresh purslane leaves to salads for a satisfying crunch and a lemony flavour that compliments other greens.
Smoothies and Juices: Blend purslane into smoothies or juices to preserve its vitamins and omega-3s in a refreshing, nutrient-dense drink.
Cooked Dishes
Saut矇ed Greens: Lightly saut矇 purslane with garlic and olive oil for a flavourful side dish that pairs well with various meals.
Soups and Stews: Add purslane to soups and stews, where it naturally thickens and infuses dishes with its health-promoting compounds.
Creative Culinary Uses
Pesto: Substitute or combine purslane with basil in traditional pesto for a unique twist packed with nutrients.
Pickles: Pickled purslane stems and leaves for a tangy, nutritious condiment that can add depth to numerous dishes.
Start Small: If youre new to purslane, introduce it in small amounts to familiar dishes like salads or stews to ease into its taste and texture.
Mix with Other Greens: Combine purslane with other leafy greens to create diverse textures and maximise your nutrient intake.
Skin Care
Make a simple purslane infusion to use as a facial rinse or incorporate it into DIY face masks for its antioxidant benefits.
Purslane

Purslane demonstrates that sometimes the most valuable health resources are right in front of us, disguised as simple weeds. This often-overlooked plant is a nutritional hero that can enhance both our health and our well-being.

From its heart-friendly omega-3s to its skin-nourishing antioxidants and sleep-supporting melatonin, purslane deserves a spot in every health-conscious kitchen. Embrace this garden weed as the superfood it truly is, and make it a staple in your journey toward a more nutritious lifestyle.


Finally ...

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