No disrespect clementines and Brussels sprouts, but your time has come and gone. Celebrate the change of seasons with vibrant, vitamin-packed springtime fruits and vegetables. Low in calories yet high in fiber and water, the ones highlighted here can be a boon to your weight loss plan. But their health benefits don’t end there …
- Asparagus. Few things shout spring like asparagus. Thanks to its high concentration of the B vitamin folate, asparagus may help protect against depression, certain cancers, and even birth defects in developing fetuses. It’s also a great source of vitamin K, necessary for bone health.
- Pineapple. At its peak from March to July, pineapple is an excellent source of manganese (which may help fight cancer as well as improve immune function, gut health, and wound healing). It is also high in vitamin C, amino acids, and the plant compound bromelain, which – in high enough doses – may help treat arthritis, infection, and inflammation.
- Artichokes. Just one artichoke provides 14 percent of your daily fiber, 17 percent of folic acid, and 12 percent of vitamin K. These prickly vegetables (technically flower buds) are also rich in potassium, an important electrolyte that can help lower blood pressure.
- Apricots. This compact stone fruit (typically grown in this country from late spring through summer) packs a big health punch. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and phytonutrients, apricots also provide a lot of soluble fiber – the kind that promotes digestive and colon health and breaks down fatty acids.
- Cherries. This fruit begins to ripen in early spring. Loaded with anti-inflammatories, cherries are also a good source of potassium and anthocyanins (compounds that lower your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease). More reasons to choose cherries? They contain nutrients that may protect against cancer and age-related memory deterioration.
- Strawberries. Lots of fiber, immune-boosting vitamin C, heart-protecting phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatories make this fruit a nutritional powerhouse. Strawberry consumption may also lower blood sugar and prevent cancer.
Looking for even more ways to up your nutrient intake? Check out our Signature Supplements. Stay Slim, which contains vitamins B6 and B12 that help support energy and reduce food cravings, and Vita Super, a daily vitamin that promotes overall health and well-being, are some good-for-you options.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the subject matter nor a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician or healthcare provider before beginning any diet or exercise program.
Active Medi-Weightloss® patients should consult the experts at their location on whether the foods and recipes mentioned are appropriate for their phase of the program.