By: Jigyasa Kakwani
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Space researchers have found that eating fresh produce while in space is good for the health of the astronauts, according to NASA.
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NASA is looking at ways to grow fresh fruits and vegetables amidst the challenges of a closed environment without sunlight or Earth's gravity.
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Did you know there exists a Space Garden on the International Space Station? It is called the Vegetable Production System, also known as Veggie.
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The Veggie garden is about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage and typically holds six plants.
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Each plant grows in a pillow filled with a clay-based growth media and fertilizer. The pillows help distribute water and air around the roots.
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"A bank of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) above the plants produces a spectrum of light suited for the plants' growth," NASA explains.
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To date, Veggie has successfully grown three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale, and zinnia flowers.
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"So far, no harmful contamination has been detected, and the food has been safe (and enjoyable) for the crew to eat," NASA notes.
Image Credit: NASA
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