Springtime Foods to Incorporate in Your Diet

Spring into these healthy foods for a fresh, new season.

As the weather starts to warm and the flowers are ready to bloom, spring is the perfect time for a fresh new start for cleansing our homes and health. Starting to implement healthy habits into our diets is a great way to start the season. With so much produce and food ready for these upcoming warm spring months, it will easily be encouraging to fill our plates with garden-fresh nutrients that our bodies will definitely thank us for. The list of spring season fruits and vegetables is plentiful, but we narrowed it down to 8 common springtime produce that you could simply incorporate in new recipes and find at your local grocery store. Say hello to spring and hello to healthy eating!

7 Healthy foods in Spring

1. Okra

When the sun is shining, and the bees are buzzing, okra is probably ready for harvest. These little green monsters are packed with high dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. Okra is low in calories and also aids in blood sugar management for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This green flowering plant contains antioxidants that help with stress levels and boost energy! Commonly used in gumbo, okra is perfect to steam, roast, cook, and stir-fry for stews, soups, or appetizers. Don’t let its gummy texture fool you. You may eat okra raw if you’re up for it!

2. Zucchini

If you’re looking to lose weight fast, add some zucchini to your plate! This low-carb squash is filled with vitamins A and C for a strong immune system, potassium for a strong heart, manganese for eye health, and B Vitamins to boost metabolism and prevent fatigue. Zucchini is also great for improving digestion and helping balance thyroid and adrenal function.

3. Cherries

Their deep, red color will have you pick them up immediately! Add some color to your snacking with this antioxidant-rich power fruit that is loaded with many health benefits. Cherries are known to reduce muscle pain, age your skin slower, help regulate blood pressure, and help to prevent colon cancer. In addition, eating cherries lowers the risk of gout attacks and stroke!

4. Asparagus

Add more greens to your diet by throwing asparagus on your plate. Although asparagus is available all year round, spring is its peak season, so get them while they’re fresh! This power green is a natural diuretic, meaning they get rid of excess salts in your body, which help individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other heart-related diseases.

5. Jackfruit

Just in time for spring, this largest fruit tree in the world is ready for harvest! This green giant is nutrient-rich with Vitamin B and Potassium and is loaded with protein. Don’t throw away the seeds! The seeds are rich in thiamin and riboflavin, which promote energy and healthy hair, skin, and nails. Jackfruit is also great for building muscle, helps with ingestion, and prevents anemia. Jackfruit is packed with iron which eliminates the risks for blood disorders while keeping the brain and heart healthy and strong.

6. Watercress

Watercress contains more vitamin C than an orange, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and more folate than bananas. So why not encourage a healthier body this spring and incorporate this leafy green in your meals? Studies have shown watercress prevents breast cancer and colorectal cancer as well as improves thyroid gland functioning, cardiovascular health, and bone health, and even reduces the risks of depression. Watercress is a must-have in your salads this spring!

7. Artichokes

Do some spring cleaning to your own body and detox your liver and digestive system with artichokes. If you’re also looking to lose some weight, artichokes are an excellent source of fiber to flush out waste, extra cholesterol, sugar, and toxins. Artichokes are great for controlling diabetes and fighting against cardiovascular disease. These flower buds are very versatile in many recipes and have a great taste, so be sure to check them out in your local grocery store this spring!

Incorporating springtime foods into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. From the beneficial nutrients found in seafood and greens to the antioxidant-rich berries, there are many options available for adding delicious, seasonal flavors to your meals. Not only will you be supporting local farmers and businesses, but you will also be giving your body an array of vitamins and minerals that promote good health. Try out some of these nutritious and flavorful recipes this spring and see how your body responds!