"It's important to keep a variety of foods in your diet. So, seasonal eating means you're eating foods that are harvested within that time of year," Zumpano said. "So, they tend to be the freshest, the tastiest and the most nutritious because they're not sitting on a shelf for months and also great nutrition and wonderful tasting food too."

Zumpano said there are several fall favorite foods people should keep in mind at this time of year.

"So, I love garlic. It's packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants that have been shown to help really boost brain health and heart health, reduce inflammation and garlic adds so much flavor to some vegetables where they might need a little extra kick," said Zumpano. "I love squash. It’s also great this time of year, packed in vitamin A. In most cases, it’s over 200% of your daily value of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, so wonderful addition this fall."

She said brussel sprouts are a source of vitamin K, which helps with heart health and as a source of fiber. Zumpano said the antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil can help support and reduce inflammation and boost brain health as well.

"It has so many great benefits plus it tastes phenomenal," she said. 

Zumpano said there are health benefits to eating locally, too. 

"It helps support those local farmers, local agriculture," said Zumpano. "Also very important from a nutrition standpoint because they tend to be more nutrient dense. We have a lot more variety that way and we have more fresh food and in some cases can really tap into some organic farming which reduces the pesticides and treatment of some of the produce that may be imported or shipped from far away locations."

The Cleveland Clinic Farmers Market has been going on for 14 years and happens every Wednesday on the main campus from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is in partnership with North Union Farmers Market.

There are 30 local vendors and live music each week. The event started June 1 and runs until Oct. 19, 2022.