Romfilatelia will introduce into circulation on Friday, January 10th, 2025, a new issue of definitive postage stamps under the name of a traditional theme ‘Live Healthy!’, consisting of six postage stamps and a First Day Cover.
The theme of the issue reflects the increasingly noticeable trend of returning to nature’s resources, with the vegetarian diet gaining more and more followers. In this context, vegetables and fruits take centre stage as important sources of a healthy diet.
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), featured on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 5, are mature plants native to western South America, Mexico, and Central America. They are annual plants, reaching a height of 1-3 meters with stems supported by stakes or special structures. Without these supports, they grow as low bushes. The fruit’s diameter ranges from 1 to 10 cm. Widely used vegetables, tomatoes are an important source of fibre and help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Tomato juice is well-known as a popular refreshing drink.
Plums, the fruits of the plum tree (Prunus domestica), depicted on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 6, have multiple uses in the food industry (tins, jams) and in the production of brandy. Plum trees thrive in highly fertile areas, preferably hilly regions. Romania ranks first in the European Union for the area cultivated with plum trees. Fresh fruits are a source of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and phosphorus.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus), featured on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 7, are root vegetables known since the times of ancient Rome and Athens. They contain characteristic oil, which gives them their slightly pungent flavour. Radishes are rich in vitamins and minerals. Notably, they are a source of folic acid (a key synthesizer of white and red blood cells), potassium (beneficial for the heart and nervous system), vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Pears (Pyrus communis), illustrated on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 8, are the fruits of trees belonging to the Rosaceae family, cultivated since ancient times in Western Europe, North Africa, and East Asia. Pear wood is used in the manufacture of musical instruments nd furniture. These vitamin-rich fruits offer numerous health benefits. They reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and increase good cholesterol (HDL). The skin contains powerful antioxidants that benefit heart health. Pears are recommended for the treatment of gout and arthritis.
Apples (Malus domestica), depicted on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 14, are the fruits of tree varieties widely distributed across the temperate northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Known since ancient times for their therapeutic effects, they have been used to treat stomach ailments, migraines, and liver pain. Apples have a tonic action and are recommended for conditions such as asthenia, anaemia, gout, and hepatitis. They are a natural source of probiotics and play a role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Eggplants (Solanum melongena), featured on the postage stamp with the face value of LEI 20, are vegetables native to southern India and Sri Lanka. They are typically purple in colour, but there are also white, green, and striped varieties. Eggplants are an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. They are recommended in heart-healthy diets due to their potassium content, which helps lower blood pressure. Notably, they are particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from atherosclerosis.
The First Day Cover of the issue, illustrated under the text ‘Live Healthy!’, gathers in the shape of a heart the images of well-known vegetables and fruits commonly used in a rational diet with a predominantly plant-based focus.
Specialized studies provide much richer information and specific recommendations regarding the benefits of the mentioned vegetables and fruits, encouraging us to take a closer look at everything encompassed by the message Live Healthy!.
Romfilatelia extends its gratitude to Prof. Paulina Anastasiu, Ph.D., Manager of the ‘Dimitrie Brândză’ Botanical Garden of the University of Bucharest, for the documentary support granted in the development of this issue of postage stamps.
