Spring is the ideal opportunity for to cleanse our bodies through a diet based on fresh vegetables. This helps reduce the body fat mass index and supports the proper functioning of the liver.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are essential to our health and it’s important to consume as many of them as possible. Salads should be part of our everyday diet, as well as fresh juices and smoothies, to make sure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
You do not have to make major changes in your diet, or replace all of the foods you are used to eating with green leaves. You only need to enrich your daily menu with spring vegetables – spinach, green lettuce, nettles, garlic, green onions and so on.
Also, let’s not forget about artichokes, which are rich in folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B and minerals. These nutrients help lower the level of “bad” cholesterol, support a healthy pregnancy, reduce free radicals and provide optimal metabolic function. The best way to consume artichokes is to boil them for 20 minutes, and then sprinkle with garlic infused olive oil.
Asparagus
Rich in vitamin K (a vitamin essential in stopping blood clots, supporting bone and heart health, also helps prevent cancer), selenium, vitamin B, etc. Asparagus is delicious when cooked with garlic, butter, and a little bit of salt. Be careful not to overcook it because it can lose its nutritional properties!
Green salads (lettuce, rucola, romaine salad, etc)
Green lettuce leaves contain vitamin A, K, folic acid, fiber and water – which makes them ideal for reducing inflammation and cleansing the body.
Beet
Great for maintaining blood circulation to optimal levels. It can also help lower blood pressure and detoxify the body thanks to its phytonutrient content.
Scallion
It should be indispensable from spring meals thanks to its high contents of vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin A and K. In addition, it is a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Scallions help lower “bad” cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels and have antibacterial properties, helping us prevent the cold and flu.
Radishes
Considered to be one of the best detoxifying agents, radishes help to purify the stomach and liver. Radishes act as a natural diuretic and help treat urinary or kidney problems. In addition, they can help us stay hydrated and can even reduce fever.
After a long time in which we have been deprived of fresh food, grown under direct sunlight, spring is the ideal time to rebuild our bodies’ vitamin and mineral deposits. In the first part of the season, if you slowly start to consume more fresh legumes and vegetables, you’ll certainly notice a positive effect.
Of course, it is important to note here that in order to enjoy the benefits of these foods, we have to choose the organic ones and eat them as soon as possible after harvesting. Non-organic ones can contain various chemicals that might lessen their nutritional benefits, so try to find a vendor that only sells fresh, organic legumes and vegetables.
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