With the onset of spring, comes rising temperatures, longer days, April showers and the promise of new blooms and new crops including an abundance of leafier, greener and infinitely more exciting vegetables that make perfect additions to the new diet that topped the list of New Year's Resolutions.
Spring may come at slightly varying times from region to region and as such, some areas may have to wait a little longer to see the emergence of leafier, more versatile vegetables but even with the possible delays, they are on their way. Spring vegetables can transform what might have been a humdrum diet into a more vibrant and fresher nutritional lifestyle, rich in variety and offering a range of health benefits. In addition to this, the wide choice of flavourful vegetables is a welcome change to the root vegetables available throughout winter. The following vegetables are some of the finest that the spring months have to offer and can easily be incorporated into any diet. By eating a little more of these superfoods and a little less of perhaps more tempting high calorie foods, advantages such as weight loss, increased energy and clearer skin that can be gained.
Asparagus - Lean, Green Vitamin Machine
Asparagus can emerge as early as February and is all-round, one of the healthiest vegetables out there. Not only is it rich in protein and low in calories but it contains high levels of dietary fibre and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Quick and easy to cook by steaming, grilling or griddling, it can be ready in a matter of minutes and makes for a tasty and healthy side dish.
Artichoke - Nutrient Rich and Delicious
Artichokes are a delicious and versatile spring vegetable and can be can be fried, boiled, baked and even stuffed! Not only this but artichokes, like asparagus, are a fine source of dietary fibre, have almost zero fat content and contain many essential minerals and nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, folic acid and vitamins A and C. Artichokes promote liver health, help reduce the risk and symptoms of a range of digestive problems, and even lower cholesterol.
Watercress - Tiny, Leafy but Wonderful for Weight Loss
Along with other members of the cabbage family, watercress is a spring vegetable bursting with essential nutrients and minerals such as vitamins A, B6, C, E and K as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and the potent flavonoid, quercetin, which serves as a natural anti-inflammatory. Watercress can be used in sandwiches and salads so it is an easy addition to your diet.
Spinach - Spring Super Vegetable
Eating more spinach can give you a number of health advantages and for this reason, it has become one of the most famous vegetables. Containing high levels of vitamins C and K, folic acid, magnesium and iron, spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and flavonoids which have been proven to lower the risk of cancer. Spinach also aids in the prevention of cataracts and heart disease and has zero fat content and almost no carbs, and, given that it can be steamed, boiled or washed and eaten raw in salads, it is an excellent choice of vegetable for promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet.
Radish - Healthy Pink Powerhouse
Radishes and their greens are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. By simply finely slicing and adding radishes to your salads, you can enjoy the health benefits that this little vegetable affords such as increased blood and kidney health, lower risk of cancer, improved digestion and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant advantages each radish holds.
Onion - Low Calorie and Flavourful
Onions may not be the most obvious of healthy spring vegetables but they certainly are worth a closer look. Onion varieties such as spring onions (scallions) or Vidalia onions are available in abundance at this time of year and can be used in salads, soups and a number of dishes. Low in calories and high in potassium, phosphorus and calcium, onions are a natural diuretic and help to treat asthma as well as lower cholesterol.
Make sure you take out the time to visit your grocer or supermarket and take advantage of all the fresh, delicious produce that spring has to offer. Your body and your taste buds will thank you.
References
- healthy-eating-made-easy.com. (2009). Spring Vegetables. Accessed January 14th 2010.
- marksdailyapple.com. (2009). Top 10 Spring Vegetables. Accessed January 10th 2010.
- nutritiondata.com. (2009). Seasonal Vegetables: Spring cleaning for the body?. Accessed February 6th 2010.
Onyi Nwabineli - Writing is my passion. I am a graduate of Brunel University in London where I earned my degree in English with Creative Writing. All ...
