According to “Farmers Markets of America“, customers drawn to farmers’ markets shop locally for three main reasons: food quality, better prices, and a great social atmosphere! But how about the health benefits of fighting the common cold or flu?

As we head into spring, those late season cold and flu bugs seem to sprout up, reminding us that winter has not quite left the building. Studies have shown a number of products found commonly in farmers’ markets, like fresh vegetables, fruits and honeys, are also flu fighters!

Vitamin C, taken in a high, daily dose of three or more cups per day, may reduce and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms. Vitamin C also acts as an immune booster and antioxidant, keeping you healthier in the first place. You will find vitamin C in strawberries, broccoli, oranges and sweet red peppers.

Another flu fighter you’ll find at the Fernandina Beach Market Place is hot peppers. Spicy peppers contain capsaicin, a natural compound that can thin mucus, making your nose run. This allows you to breathe better and your nasal passages can now get rid of germs. Be careful though, it doesn’t take much to do the job! Need to soothe your sore throat? Try a spoonful of honey.

Because the food is fresh, you reduce the time between harvest and consumption, so more nutrients remain in the produce found at the farmers’ market, making it healthier to eat than store-bought. As an added bonus, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to sunlight, so just walking through the Market Place will give you a dose of this sunshine vitamin!

Everyone shopping at the Market Place has their own reasons, but no matter what ails you, join us on Saturday mornings. You never knew shopping for groceries could be this much fun!