This summer is a wonderful time to try some new types of vegetables and increase your consumption. Many of the grocery stores are bringing local farm products to the produce section. This does not necessarily mean more variety of produce. In the retail world "Local farm" may be defined as 100 miles to 1400 miles from the store. Although the fruits and vegetables are fresh the nutrition value may be effected due to corporate farming practices and transportation issues.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the consumption of vegetables are less than the minimum recommended from the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Consuming less nutrients than the body requires may lead to unrecognized deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Research suggest the importance of nutrient rich foods like vegetables that are rich in micronutrients are required to keep our bodies functioning properly at the cell level. The lack of rich nutrient dense foods over time may lead to changes in our cells or DNA promoting the development of chronic disease.
Keep your body well from the inside by going beyond the grocery store this summer and try a local pick your own farm, a roadside stand, or a Farmer's Market. Farmer's Markets are a wonderful opportunity to get fresh picked vegetables and try new varieties of your old favorites. To learn more about a Farmer's Market near you this summer check out this website!
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-directories-listings
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