9 Spring Superfoods For Your Health
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9 SPRING SUPERFOODS
Spring is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to embrace the nutrient-rich foods this season has to offer. But these aren’t just any ordinary vegetables or fruits; they’re superfoods! Superfoods contain a wide variety of nutrients and phytochemicals that may provide health benefits beyond meeting basic nutritional needs. A diet rich in superfoods can help prevent disease, illness, and other conditions, as well as aid in weight loss, thanks to the high fiber and low calorie content of most superfoods. Next time you’re at the grocery store, throw these delicious and wholesome spring superfoods into your cart and you’ll be on your way to a happier and healthier you.
Kale is a superfood that blows other leafy greens out of the ballpark. Not only is it an excellent source of calcium, iron, protein, and vitamins A and C, it’s also packed with several cancer-fighting properties. The phytonutrients in kale help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Kale is as versatile as lettuce and can be steamed, marinated, sautéed, baked into chips, and tossed into salads raw.
Peas might be small but they pack a big nutritional punch. This spring superfood is high in fiber and protein and low in calories. Diets high in fiber can help lower bad cholesterol and ease irritable bowel syndrome by improving regularity. Best of all, peas can be cooked just about any way you want them whether shelled or unshelled. Throw them in fresh salads, whole-grain pastas, or sautée them as a side dish.
Asparagus is not just a delicious and versatile side dish. It’s also a nutritional superfood. One cup of asparagus provides more than half the recommended daily requirement of vitamin K, an important component of the body’s blood clotting system and bone health. In addition, asparagus is a valuable source of iron and other healthy nutrients. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable, pairing well with meats and starches. And it’s easy to prepare by steaming, grilling, sautéing or even eating it raw.
Fennel is a delicious spring vegetable with a wonderful licorice taste (also referred to as an “anise” flavor). It’s also a superfood packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Fennel is a great source of potassium, which helps the body eliminate excess sodium from the diet. This can help reduce blood pressure and promotes general cardiovascular health. Fennel is delicious raw and is a great way to add some kick to otherwise boring dishes, but it’s also delicious when sautéed in olive oil or steamed.
Popeye wasn’t kidding; spinach can make you strong inside and out. The leafy green superfood is packed with vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are natural antioxidants that protect your eyes from sun damage. Spinach is also incredibly versatile and can be eaten cooked or raw. In fact, heating spinach reduces its oxalate content, so you’ll reap more calcium benefits when it’s cooked. Throw spinach in salads, casseroles, pasta dishes, and sandwiches.
You’ve probably seen it in spring mix salads or used as a garnish, but did you know that arugula is a superfood? This dark green, peppery-flavored leaf is packed with nutrients, such as vitamins C and K, folate, beta-carotene, and magnesium. Arugula is also an excellent source of calcium, which helps keep bones strong and prevents fractures. Throw this tasty leaf into salads or serve it with omelets, sandwiches, or pastas.
Juicy and sweet, it doesn’t get much better than eating strawberries on a sunny spring day. These beloved berries are also incredibly good for you too. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, and, even though they are tart, they have one of the lowest sugar contents of any fruit. Strawberries are delicious alone, but they can also be used in salads, cereals, and freshly blended smoothies.
If you’ve never tried leeks, you’re missing out big time. Leeks come from the onion family, but their sweet, milder flavor sets them apart from the others and makes them a favorite choice in the kitchen. Best of all, leeks are high in nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, as well as vitamins A and K. Leeks also contain the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. Leeks are commonly sautéed and mixed into soups and stews.
Artichoke hearts are one of the most fiber rich vegetable foods a person can eat, and that has major benefits according to nutrition experts. Lower cholesterol, improved blood sugar control, and bowel regularity are only some of the benefits a high fiber diet can provide, and artichokes are a delicious way to ensure adequate fiber intake. Steaming or grilling a whole artichoke is a delicious way to prepare this healthy snack, but prepackaged artichoke hearts are also commonly available and can cut back on the prep time.
So get out there and enjoy the bounty of Spring and Summer. Your tummy and belly will thank you. 🙂
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Rosemarie
A fierce love of food and twin careers in real estate and fashion taught Rose to look for the hottest item and the hottest deal. Perfect attributes for creating Cheapeatsinc.com. When friends and clients needed a great meal at a great price, she could rattle off restaurant names the way a sports nut ticks off batting averages—but with a lot more home runs. Now it’s all at Cheapeats, where you’ll find “Happiness, $25 and under.”Comments
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Lutein is specially useful if you have a job that exposes your eyes to intense blue light. Lutein helps prevent retinal degradation caused by blue light.:”:.;
Warmest wishes http://foodsupplementdigest.com/l-lysine-benefits/