Eating with the Seasons, Summer Foods

The long days of Summer call for hydration and replenishment. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak during the summer months making them ideal food sources. This is a good time of year to try a raw food diet. Raw foods are packed with vitamins and enzymes which will give your body the fuel it needs for increased summer activity.

www.greekcuisine.com

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, and vitamin C which work to diminish free radicals and they're great for the skin. They're also high in potassium, which is involved in every function in our bodies. This is one of the few minerals that should only be gleaned from food. This is because the sodium-potassium balance is highly regulated on a cellular level. Eaten as a food, your body is able to take what it needs, as a supplement this balance can be disrupted. Tomatoes are also excellent antioxidants.

www.umsystem.edu

Basil is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. While it is mainly used as a spice, basil has a long history of medicinal use for minor inflammation. It can be used both internally as a tea for stomach and urinary discomfort and externally as a poultice for minor cuts and abrasions.

www.organicfacts.net

Watermelon, what’s not to love about this low calorie fruit? One cup has just 46 calories. This is in part due to its high water content, 141 grams, which is perfect for helping to keep you hydrated in the summer months. It is also high in vitamins C and A.

bonnieplants.com

Spinach has been misrepresented as a good source of iron. While the idea that it is high in iron is a misconception, it is high in several important vitamins; A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, K and folic acid. It also acts as a digestive stimulant.

naturallynourishing.com

Peppers are high in vitamin C, which is necessary for the development of collagen in addition to its powerful anti-oxidant properties. One cup of raw peppers has 200% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, which is higher than a cup of orange sections which has 160% of the recommended DV.

www.southernstates.com

Cucumbers are high in vitamins A, C, and B complex. Like watermelon they too have a high water content and is low in calories, one cup has just 16 calories, and 100 grams of water.

Eating with the Seasons, Foods Found in Spring

Spring time is perfect for creating a cleaner diet.  Your body no longer requires heavy, warming foods. Transitioning to light meals offers the opportunity to cleanse and rejuvenate. Steamed greens, light salads and broths all aid in detoxifying the body after a long, cold winter.

www.tenriversfoodweb.org

Here are a few of the foods and their benefits that are available during the months in spring:

Dandelions act on the liver and biliary system. They are a terrific antioxidant and they have laxative, and diuretic effects. They’re also very high in vitamins A and K. Caution must be given to people with any biliary problems, including obstructions like gallstones. You can pick dandelion green fresh if you see them growing somewhere that has not been treated with chemicals.

www.specialtyproduce.com

Asparagus is a natural diuretic. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in herbal medicine for urinary tract infections. It is also a great source of vitamin K. Asparagus is one of the few vegetables I have not been successful in growing. I look forward to seeing them in the market each spring.

www.dailyperricone.com

Chives are one of the first herbs to appear in my garden each spring. These hardy and resilient plants make a great addition to fresh spring salads, spreads, and dips. They have been used in traditional medicine to eradicate intestinal worms. They are in the same family as garlic which is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antihypertensive. Chives have the same properties, but are milder than garlic.

culinaryarts.about.com

Peas are a great source of vegetable protein, one cup provides 9 grams. They are also a good source of vitamin C and manganese. Peas are very high in dietary fiber and are extremely versatile. Soup, salad, and side dish favorites, they also make a great spread. Try using them in place of chick peas the next time you make hummus.

tried-and-true.com

Rhubarb has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It has only become a popular dessert since sugar became widely available. It works as a laxative, and has hepatic and biliary properties. It should not be eaten in excess by people with gall bladder obstructions.

zoebakes.com

Strawberries are both astringent and antioxidant due to the high level of flavonoids found in the fruit. They are extremely high in vitamin C, with one cup providing 149% of your recommended daily value. They also pair nicely with rhubarb in a pie.