The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Happy Sunshine!
Hoping that your weekend is easing along in sunshine filled bliss!
And, today’s weblog brings you words from our newest vendor….
S & S Naturals is located on a farm in the Mingo Valley in northeast Champaign County. Our products consist of elderberry syrup, tincture, and gummies. We use US dried Elderberries (Sustainably grown, without pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals) and raw local honey. This spring I am looking forward to starting my own elderberries and adding new products.
Elderberries have many health benefits attributed to its nutrients, which include vitamin A, vitamin E, Vitamin B, vitamin C, carotenoids, amino acids, and flavonoids. Elderberry is also very rich in certain essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and several anti-oxidants. It has the ability to prevent and treat ailments and disorders of the respiratory system such as common colds and flu, cough, chest congestion, sore throat, bronchitis, and asthma. Elderberries have been used for centuries as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu.
Some of the most important health benefits of elderberries include their ability to boost the immune system function, protect against bacteria and infection, slow down the spread of cancer, moderate the digestive process, prevent the development of diabetes, reduce the pain and speed associated auto immune diseases, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and alleviate allergies. Another great health benefit of black elderberry is that it helps in keeping the digestive system healthy. It improves digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive juices, and also prevents ailments of digestive system like constipation.
One of the uses of elderberries is its ability to combat cancer. Some of the physiological reactions in the body leave free radicals as the by-products. These free radicals initiate chain reactions that cause cell division, leading to formation of tumors, which later become cancerous. The high antioxidant in elderberries help prevent the formation of cancerous cells, thereby inhibiting the onset of cancer. Elderberry is also anti-inflammatory in action and thus can be used for treating and preventing inflammation conditions such as joint pains and arthritis.
https://www.midwest-elderberry.coop/health-nutrition/