Spring is a season synonymous with new life, growth, and greenery. It’s the perfect season to add some new (or additional) veggies to your diet, especially if you’re still struggling to find a balance after the carb-laden holiday season. While any vegetable has benefits and could qualify for this list, here are several that are not only tasty and nutritious, but also perfect for the spring season (since they are ripe and available).
Asparagus
Everyone’s favorite arrow-shaped food is arguably more fun to eat and delicious (when roasted with a little garlic, butter, and lemon juice) than other veggies. Asparagus also contains a number of nutrients, blood-sugar-balancing elements, and a lot of fiber, which makes asparagus ideal for healthy digestion, weight loss, and lowering your blood sugar.
Peas
Since medieval times, peas have been known as a great spring veggie. Not only are they fresher this time of year but also, they deliver a one-two punch of nutrients and protein, which helps with weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet.
Artichokes
Artichokes are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world. That makes them perfect for maintaining good health and potentially staving off health problems later in life. An artichoke can be a daunting food, but fans know that eating the end of the leaves following by the heart can be delicious and rewarding (just steam or boil the artichoke first).
Radishes
The simple radish. They grow pretty much anywhere and are a longtime staple of many salads. And yet, there is so much more to the radish. For one, its great at helping us clear our bodies of toxins, particularly in the liver and stomach. Radishes also contain nutrients that protect the heart and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Broccoli
Based on the appearance alone, broccoli is one of the more fun veggies to eat. And based on the nutritional profile, it’s one of the healthiest veggies you can eat. There is a huge list of vitamins found in our most tree-like veggie. Not only that, but broccoli is a major cancer fighter and an awesome complement to a number of main dishes.
Spinach
Popeye may have been on to something with his love of spinach. Most spinach fans tout the high iron content as a good reason to eat it, but along with iron, there are other nutrients—like vitamin C, potassium, and folate. The more pressing issue with spinach is should you eat it cooked or raw?
Ramps
It’s not an onion. It’s not a scallion. It’s not garlic. It’s the ramp, a cousin of all three that looks something like a hipper version of a leek. While ramps may not be a household name quite yet, they are quickly becoming a popular and sought-after veggie. They can be fried or eaten raw, but either way they add a lot of flavor (and vitamins) to any meal.
Fava Beans
Fava beans have a (completely deserved) reputation of being difficult to work with because they need to be taken out of the pod and peeled before they can be cooked. It can be intimidating, but if you go through all the effort, you are rewarded with something you can grill, fry, or roast that has a lot of fiber, a good deal of protein, and nutrients galore.
Apricots
Here’s a secret: “vegetable” is not a scientific term. It’s a culinary term, which means it’s actually very vague and can include all sorts of things, like apricots. Yes, we are calling apricots veggies. Apricots are ideal for spring when they ripen and provide juicy nutrients that help build bones, support healthy skin and blood, and do a whole lot more.
Rhubarb
One of the few veggies that can be baked into a pie, rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin K, along with other vitamins. Those who need more calcium in their diets can get quite a bit from just a few ounces of rhubarb. Note that rhubarb is a laxative, so you may not want to eat a lot or eat it all the time. But in small doses, it can be a great addition to your spring veggie lineup.
How Mindfulness Can Ease Stress and Improve Your Physical ǿմý
Mindfulness practices can help with stress, depression, and anxiety—but research has shown that they can also help with physical conditions.
