by Taylor Joa, nutrition student volunteer

Check out these important superfoods you can find at this year's FEAST! Festival, loaded with antioxidants and beneficial in a variety of ways!

Elderberry

Elderberry comes in handy any time of the year, especially during cold & flu season! It’s a great addition to your diet with loads of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. You can find elderberry products from Panache and Sailor Mercy at this year's festival!

Mushrooms

Mushrooms come in thousands of varieties with numerous benefits too! Mushrooms contain polysaccharides that support the gut microbiome.

They also contain

Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and Selenium.

Pick up some at this year's FEAST Festival from Red Wing Mushrooms.

Chocolate

Not only is chocolate delicious, but it’s also a powerful superfood! Packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate can help reduce the risk of clotting, risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure. When consumed in moderation, the flavonols can help support the immune system.

Stock up on chocolate at this year's festival from Chocolate San Jose - Minneapolis,Shokolate Haven and Squash Blossom Farm.

Honey

Nothing’s sweeter than honey! It’s a great substitute for other sweeteners, and can help regulate blood sugar, through the increase in adiponectin (a hormone that helps with insulin sensitivity and inflammation).

Different varieties of honey have different levels of antioxidants as well.

Pick up some of the unique seasonal varieties from The Bee Shed at this year's festival.

Taylor Joa is a junior at the Univeristy of Minnesota, studying nutrition and applied communications and marketing. She is interested in integrative medicine, how marketing impacts consumers, and increasing access to nutritious foods. This year she is involved in the CFANS Policy Engagement Program and plans on becoming a certified personal trainer.