The Apple - The skin is rich in querctin and this reduces the risk of sun damage to skin. Fiber! Vitamins C & K, flavonoids
The Lemon - Powerful cleansing and antioxidant powers. Vitamin C, flavonoids, limonin (citrus limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, lung, stomach, skin, breast and colon!)
Honey - Vitamins B2, B6, manganese. Honey is a healing agent speeding recovery with its antiseptic qualities and its drying effect. Reduces risk of gum disease, can counter act food-poisoning bacteria.
p.s please be kind to the bees, they only sting when angry AND their food source affects the honey so PLEASE consider using organic everything to maintain your yard and skip the harmful bug and yard sprays. We are only hurting ourselves with these chemicals.
The Raspberry - Vitamins B2, B3, folate, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, fiber. Their antimicrobial effects can protect against yeast infections and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
The Kiwi Fruit - Vitamins C, E, beta carotene, copper, magnesium, potassium, fiber. A ripe kiwi packs more vitamin C than most citrus fruits. Vitamin C not only protects from common colds, but also several kinds of infections and inflammation especially respiratory diseases. People who eat kiwi fruit regularly are shown to suffer from less asthma attacks (ask before giving to small children for allergy purposes), lower blood cholesterol and reduced risk of blood clots.
The Onion - Vitamins B6, C, folate, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, fiber. Powerful anti-inflammatory effect, counteract respiratory problems (asthma), antibacterial properties, protect digestive system - the more pungent, the more powerful!
Arugula- Vitamins B-complex, C, K, beta carotene, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, fiber. A great source of calcium for those who avoid dairy, arugula has a lovely peppery taste that adds flavor and powerful nutritional value to any salad.
Asparagus - Vitamins A, B-complex, K, folate, copper, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, fiber, protein. B vitamins together are essential to our nervous system (depression, anxiety, low energy) and brain functions, asparagus is a great source of the Bs.
**Be careful to not over cook or over steam asparagus, this leaves it stringy and tough to eat. Steam for not more than 5 minutes, grill or bake for 10 minutes or less for tender stalks with a slight crunch!
The Strawberry - Get them now in the mid-west! Vitamins B2, B5, B6, C, K folate, copper, magnesium, manganese, iodine, potassium, anthocyanidins, flavonoids, fiber, omega-3 oils, ellagic acid. Packed with nutrition AND those that aid in weight control, so eat up this fat fighting, fiber filled fruit (say that ten times!).
The Green Bean - Vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, K, beta carotene, folate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, fiber, omega-3 oils, protein. One of the best greens out there, eat green beans raw or slightly steamed for the best nutritional value!
These are just a few of my personal favorites of the season, and after reading the nutritional value of each I am sure you can see why. This week, visit your local farmer's market and make an effort to add a new fruit or vegetable to your palate!
Enjoy...
~One Body, One Life~
Jennifer
*Nutritional content taken from Janet Wright's The Top 100 Health Tips
