Winter is coming to an end, and spring is just around the corner. Do you know what that means? Sunshine, soft breezes, green grass, and fresh ripe fruits and vegetables at the peak of the season!
We all know that fruits and vegetables are healthy for us, but why? Where do they come from? What nutrients do they contain? Well, today is your lucky day, because you are about to learn about some of the fruits and vegetables in season right now!
Let’s start with strawberries! Not only are they sweet and juicy, but they are also full of antioxidants and vitamins. Strawberries contain Vitamin C, which boosts immunity, prevents wrinkles, and strengthens the eye. Strawberries also have high levels of nitrate, which increases oxygen and blood flow to your muscles.
Imagine biting into a golden, juicy, sweet apricot… yum. These are not only little balls of deliciousness, but they also are good sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants such as flavonoids. It has been found that flavonoids help with the reduction of heart disease. Like strawberries, apricots also contain nutrients that help protect your eyesight. Some of these nutrients include carotenoids and xanthophylls, which are believed to protect eyesight from age-related damage.
Image Source: Linka A Odom
Now, time for some vegetables available this spring: asparagus and beets. If you need some convincing to eat asparagus, here are a few good reasons why you should include asparagus into your diet this spring (and year-round). For starters, asparagus is low in calories and has no fat. Asparagus is chock-full of nutrients (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene), and minerals (selenium, zinc, and manganese, and chromium). Furthermore, asparagus contains glutathione, which helps destroy carcinogens (substances that can lead to cancer) and in turn, protect and fight against bone, lung, colon, and breast cancer. Glutathione also slows the aging process and protects the skin from sun damage.
Lastly, let’s end on a happy beet! Beet roots are excellent sources of Vitamin C, manganese, folates, and potassium. Folates are needed for DNA synthesis (the creation of DNA) in cells, and potassium helps to regulate cell metabolism and lower heart rate. Beet leaves are also good sources of Vitamin A, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
Spring comes with a fresh start as well as many fresh fruits and vegetables. On your next grocery run, be sure to pick up some of these fresh foods!
