The Healthy Eating Link
Nature immersion wasn't the only component contributing to Dr. Goodall's legacy. She was also a staunch vegan and whole foods advocate, and citrus was a major part of her diet. While the chimpanzees she lived with were omnivores and thus consumed some meat, she observed that fruit--and particularly oranges--were a major component of their daily food consumption. Second only to humans, chimpanzees are the longest-living primates, and their diets can give a clear insight into our own longevity strategy.
The Stress Connection
Dr. Goodall was also accomplished at managing her stress levels, even in the face of increasing environmental devastation and other threats to her beloved chimpanzees, other animals, and humanity. She discovered that chimpanzees are subject to the same capacity for happiness and grief as we are. Environmental factors, encroachment, disease, and other stressors can seriously impact a chimp's health and longevity. Oranges are a huge ally here: their high Vitamin C content reduces the "stress hormone" cortisol, and the high folate and niacin concentrations found naturally in oranges function as mood-boosters. Dehydration can also be a significant, under-acknowledged source of physiological stress; oranges and other citrus fruits are like little hydration-balls, packed with easily absorbable water in every delicious bite. It is no surprise, then, that oranges are a primary component of chimpanzee diets, and why Dr. Goodall likewise consumed them regularly.
The Happiness Link
While humans, chimpanzees, and all animals are subject to stress and mood depletion, nature gives us tools to overcome them and return to a baseline of general happiness. One of these tools is oranges and most citrus fruits in general; this fact sheds yet another light on why both Dr. Goodall and her chimpanzee friends were so enthusiastic about eating oranges. Research has shown that eating citrus lowers the risk of depression because it stimulates the growth of a "good" gut bacterium called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. These beneficial bacteria influence the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine; both of these are well-known to be mood elevators.
Sharing Is Caring
Finally, Dr. Goodall discovered that chimpanzees, just like humans, derive health and happiness from meaningful friendships and family bonds that use touch, meal sharing, and regular communication to foster connection. Sharing food is one of our most basic and powerful forms of expressing love. When we give, receive, and share healthy foods, we are expressing how much we care for and love being cared by each another.
As we enter into a new year of citrus harvest, Florida Fruit Shippers wants to acknowledge with deep appreciation the work and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. We strive to continue to support the importance of her work by bringing you the benefits of citrus fruits directly from the trees.
Sources:
About Jane - Jane Goodall Institute USA
Jane Goodall's Lifestyle Habits That Helped Her Live to 91 - Business Insider
