What Are Superfoods?
According to Harvard Health, living an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating patterns, can help reduce risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. While no single food choice can do this alone, there are certain nutrient dense foods that are a great complement to your eating habits. These foods, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, are often referred to as “superfoods.” Our best tip when it comes to superfoods, is to shop for what’s in season. This way you not only ensure that you consume a variety of nutrients, but also that you are eating the freshest, highest quality produce.
6 Superfoods In Season Right Now
1. Apricots: While peak season for apricots is very short, normally late April to early May, they can make a big impact on your diet! Just one cup of sliced apricot provides over half the daily requirement of Vitamin A. They also provide lutein and carotene, all great for preserving eye health. Another reason to love apricots is their distinct flavor pairs perfectly with both your sweet and savory spring dishes!
2. Artichokes: Fresh artichokes are at their prime in the spring. Just one artichoke is packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. This makes them beneficial for energy production, as well as healthy nerve and heart function! In addition, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that one cup of artichoke hearts have a higher antioxidant content than one cup of cranberries, blueberries, or orange juice.
3. Asparagus: April is the peak month of asparagus season and this is definitely a vegetable you want to be on the lookout for at your local farmers market! Containing only 20 calories, one cup of asparagus provides half of your daily needs for folate, nearly double your daily needs of vitamin K, 16 percent of the daily requirement of iron, as well as 3 grams of protein.
4. Blueberries: This delicious snack is one of spring’s healthiest offerings. Blueberries are incredibly rich in antioxidants and very nutrient dense. One cup of blueberries is only 84 calories and includes 4 grams of fiber, 24% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, 36% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin K, and 25% of your daily recommended amount of Manganese.
5. Green Peas: One of the first vegetables to come into season in the spring, peas are an excellent snack or addition to any meal. A cup of peas contains 7 grams of fiber, 8 grams of filling protein, 25% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin A, and nearly 100 percent of your daily needs for vitamin C. They also have a high content of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which makes them very beneficial for eye health.
6. Radishes: Radishes are a springtime favorite! Their unique flavor profile adds a delightful kick to any meal or side dish. Radishes are also packed with a variety of nutrients including potassium, calcium, vitamin C, B-vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
7. Rhubarb: Rhubarb, most memorable for its pink celery-like stalk, is in season from April to June. While it is a vegetable, rhubarb is best paired with fruits and desserts. Don’t let its tart favor fool you, though. Rhubarb is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin K, and B vitamins, making it beneficial for bone, immune, skin, and eye health. It even promotes a healthy metabolism.
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