Istuck my finger in the Veggie-Meter at the Southside Community Market Tuesday and discovered my carotenoid level is above average.

I was feeling pretty confident before the test. After all, I eat a lot of vegetables. I even ate a carrot just before leaving the office. Still, I thought my score would be higher.

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect our body’s cells. Our bodies can’t make them, so we get them from bright-colored fruits and vegetables.

Then I met a woman who never eats vegetables. So I dragged her over to the Veggie-Meter. She put her finger in the meter and her score was below normal.

The Veggie-Meter, a highlight of the Far North Currant Festival booth, will be at the Georgeson Botanical Garden from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 23, at the Far North Currant Festival. T

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