Gaelen
06-13-2006, 09:25 AM
It's the season for farmer's markets (especially in colder climates) to kick into high gear. This morning's SparkPeople digest (www.sparkpeople.com) included this article on the nutritional benefits of the foods you can find at your local farmer's market...here's the link to the article: Farmer's Market Food Finds (http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=478) It even includes some suggestions for enticing your kids to try new vegetables and fruits. Remember that the possible health benefits may not always have extensive research that conclusively demonstrates the potential effectiveness...but they can't hurt. ;)
And in case it doesn't open, here's the article:
Farmers' Market Food Finds
Local Produce is Healthier for You and the Planet!
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian
Late summer and early fall are perfect seasons for visiting farmers’ markets. From the small, mom-and-pop stand at the corner, to the large, organized market with multiple vendors and extensive selections, it is definitely worth the trip. Experiencing food at its finest can encourage even the pickiest eater to try a few bites. When it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market is the perfect place to locate some fabulous food finds for everyone in the family!
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.
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.” The following chart 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. Potential health benefits. Find in: )
Red: Lycopene, Anthocyanin. Prevents certain cancers; strengthens collagen proteins. Find in: strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, cherries
Orange: Beta-Carotene, Liminoids. Protects against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts, and lung cancer; can decrease cholesterol levels. Find in: carrots, squash, melons
Yellow: Liminoids, Beta-carotene, Zeaxanthin. Protects vision; prevents colon and breast cancers. Find in: yellow peppers, corn
Green: Lutein, Saponins, Glucosinolates. Protects eyesight; heart and skin maintenance; prevents cancer; lowers lipid levels. Find in: spinach, collard greens, broccoli, tomatillos
Blue: Anthocyanin. Prevents colon, cervical and prostate cancers. Find in: blueberries, grapes, plums
Purple: Anthocyanin. Prevents cancer; anti-inflammatory. Find in: grapes, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant
Farmers’ Market Fun
Try a new fruit or vegetable, or prepare your produce in a new way.
Ask the vendor his favorite way to prepare a particular type of produce. Many have recipes to share.
Check if there are any special events being planned at the Farmers’ Market. Many have cooking demonstrations, tastings, and fun activities for the kids.
Give your children each $2.00. Let them explore the world of produce and make a new selection. There is a much greater chance your child will try this new food since it belongs to them. (When my daughter was 3-years old, she loved the color purple and selected a purple turnip. To this day, she still enjoys eating raw purple turnips with ranch dip!)
And in case it doesn't open, here's the article:
Farmers' Market Food Finds
Local Produce is Healthier for You and the Planet!
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian
Late summer and early fall are perfect seasons for visiting farmers’ markets. From the small, mom-and-pop stand at the corner, to the large, organized market with multiple vendors and extensive selections, it is definitely worth the trip. Experiencing food at its finest can encourage even the pickiest eater to try a few bites. When it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market is the perfect place to locate some fabulous food finds for everyone in the family!
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.
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.” The following chart 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. Potential health benefits. Find in: )
Red: Lycopene, Anthocyanin. Prevents certain cancers; strengthens collagen proteins. Find in: strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, cherries
Orange: Beta-Carotene, Liminoids. Protects against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts, and lung cancer; can decrease cholesterol levels. Find in: carrots, squash, melons
Yellow: Liminoids, Beta-carotene, Zeaxanthin. Protects vision; prevents colon and breast cancers. Find in: yellow peppers, corn
Green: Lutein, Saponins, Glucosinolates. Protects eyesight; heart and skin maintenance; prevents cancer; lowers lipid levels. Find in: spinach, collard greens, broccoli, tomatillos
Blue: Anthocyanin. Prevents colon, cervical and prostate cancers. Find in: blueberries, grapes, plums
Purple: Anthocyanin. Prevents cancer; anti-inflammatory. Find in: grapes, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant
Farmers’ Market Fun
Try a new fruit or vegetable, or prepare your produce in a new way.
Ask the vendor his favorite way to prepare a particular type of produce. Many have recipes to share.
Check if there are any special events being planned at the Farmers’ Market. Many have cooking demonstrations, tastings, and fun activities for the kids.
Give your children each $2.00. Let them explore the world of produce and make a new selection. There is a much greater chance your child will try this new food since it belongs to them. (When my daughter was 3-years old, she loved the color purple and selected a purple turnip. To this day, she still enjoys eating raw purple turnips with ranch dip!)