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Farmers market season brings health benefits to Utahns

Sep 7, 2024

“Healthy Together” is sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

It’s that time of year when we begin to enjoy the fruits of our labor, or at least the fruits and vegetables that are now becoming available in many areas.

It’s peak season at local farmers’ markets, which is good news for families who are trying to incorporate healthy foods into their diets.

“Maybe it tastes better, maybe the colors are brighter, maybe it’s just the connection to local farmers that makes you more likely to eat healthy,” said Dr. Mike Woodruff, executive medical director of BlueCross BlueShield in Regence, Utah.

Woodruff says there are many health benefits to visiting your local farmers market.

Woodruff said, “When you go to a farmers market, you’re getting ripe, freshly picked produce, which is the healthiest time to harvest.”

Woodruff says once harvested, fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients and antioxidants, so fresh is best. You can also get a little exercise on the way to the market and usually get some sun. It also allows you to connect to your community.

“Did you know that being disconnected from your community has the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?” So it’s really important to get out there and connect with people in your community, and farmers’ markets are a great way to do that.”

The best part is that farmers’ markets are easy to find.

Woodruff says: “The Utah Farmers Market Network has a list of nearly 50 markets across the state.

Experts say you’ll eat more when you can pick your own produce.

“The USDA recommendation is 3-4 cups a day, which is quite a bit. You know once you cook it it’s cooked. About two cups of fruit. So it’s more than you think, so it’s always a smart thing to add some vegetables to every meal. This reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.”

Involving kids in picking out their favorites is also a great way to get them to try new things.

Woodruff said, “I also recommend that we watch out for ultra-processed foods because just like at the grocery store, these things can be hidden.”

Unlike the grocery store, you can usually talk directly to the growers at farmers’ markets as well.

Woodruff says: “They can tell you how to use these weird new fruits and vegetables that you’ve never seen before, and, they can answer important questions like pesticides used, how the produce was grown, how it was transported, how long it was picked.”

Add to that, you’ll feel good about what you’re doing, reduce your carbon footprint, and support local businesses.