Farmers Market Food Finds
Local Produce is Healthier for You and the Planet!

From the small, mom-and-pop stand at the corner, to the large or an organized market with multiple vendors and extensive selections, it is definitely worth the trip.

Benefits of shopping at the Farmers Market
-The fruits and vegetables are grown locally and picked when perfectly ripened. This enhances the taste, texture, and aroma of the produce.

-Often, market prices are lower than at grocery stores.(Nothing better than good value)

-Our existing system of food transportation and distribution requires enormous amounts of energy and resources. Before reaching your table, the average food item in the United States will travel 1,300 miles! In fact, only about 10% of the fossil fuel energy used in the world’s food system is used for production. The other 90% goes into packaging, transportation, and marketing of the food. All this inefficiency creates many environmental problems.
Shopping at the Farmers Market benefits the local farmer and strengthens your local community.

-Since the produce is picked at the peak of the season, nutrients, and phytochemicals will be more abundant. Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine.” Below I put together a little list that shows many of the health benefits of fresh produce. Don’t get bogged down trying to remember the names of these different phytochemicals—just eat a RAINBOW OF COLOR!

Color
Phytonutrients
Health Benefits
Food Sources

Red ===Lycopene Anthocyanin
Prevents certain cancers. Strengthens collagen proteins.
strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, cherries
Orange===Beta-Carotene Liminoids
Protects against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts, and lung cancer. Can decrease cholesterol levels.
carrots, squash, melons
Yellow===Liminoids
Beta-carotene Zeaxanthin
Protects vision. Prevents colon and breast cancers.
yellow peppers, corn
Green===Lutein ===Saponins Glucosinolates
Protects eyesight. Heart and skin maintenance. Prevents cancer. Lowers lipid levels.
spinach, collard greens, broccoli, tomatillos
Blue===Anthocyanin
Prevents colon, cervical and prostate cancers.
blueberries, grapes, plums
Purple===Anthocyanin
Prevents cancer. Anti-inflammatory.
grapes, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant

Happy Heathy eatting to all!!!