Farmers' markets best for in-season, healthful foods


By Mary Rose Roberts
A great way to be green is to buy vegetables in season and support local economies through farmers' markets. Down south, farmers markets' now offer a variety of vegetables, like banana peppers that are available in mild and hot varieties. Banana peppers are low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. They also are a good source of Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate and Potassium. In fact, they are strongly anti-inflammatory with an inflammation factor of 388 (50 or above is recommended). For those who suffer inflammation, foods like peppers can help counteract the effects.
Plus, buying at a local farmer's market supports an area's economy and reduces fuel and transportation costs as well as the environmental impact of imported food. A bonus is that peppers also add a nice splash of color to any recipe, from salads to pizzas.

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