Dr. Uday Jani to discuss natural healing powers of food Sept. 10

Integrative medicine physician Uday Jani, MD, will give a special presentation at the Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market set for noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10. He will provide fresh insights on a variety of topics, from the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils to the nutritional and healing power of produce, particularly the organically grown variety.

"I'm delighted to share my passion for the bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits produced by our local farmers," said Jani. "There is no better foundation for a healthy diet than choosing whole, unprocessed foods at their seasonal peaks."

A longtime advocate of vegetable-centric eating, Jani will focus specifically on the health benefits of mushrooms, a functional food that is naturally low in sodium, fat, cholesterol and calories. "Mushrooms help prevent chronic disease due to the presence of antioxidants and dietary fibers such as chitin and beta-glucans. They contain selenium, which plays an important role in liver enzyme function and prevents inflammation. Additionally, the vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by helping regulate the cell growth cycle," he said.

Jani will also address honey and bee pollen's many health attributes. Honey is widely recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to soothe coughs and reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. Because it contains small amounts of pollen, it is thought that honey acts like a natural vaccine. "A source of natural fructose and glucose, honey provides a quick boost of energy, and conversely, it can help prevent sleepless nights with amino acids including tryptophan that are ultimately converted to melatonin, a sleep aid," he said.

To make the most of the farmers market experience, Jani offers these tips:

• Learn what is growing now in the area and what will likely come to market in the next few weeks, and plan to choose vegetables at their harvest peak freshness.
• Arrive early for the best selection, but remember, near the end the best deals are often available.
• Bring a reusable canvas or nylon tote to hold purchases.
• Go for the whole experience. Root vegetables like carrots, beets and radishes are often sold whole, with greens attached. The greens are edible, and once thoroughly washed, can be used for pesto or eaten raw.
• Embrace the imperfect. Often, the odd-looking varieties of fruits and vegetables will be the best-tasting, and they may be less expensive as well.

The market is on the grounds of the award-winning Nassau Valley Vineyards winery at 32165 Winery Way in Lewes, and features 20 local vendors, live music, chef demos and more.