Most chefs agree that spring is the season they most look forward to. Winter embraces root vegetables, hearty stews, and dense plates to warm the body. With warmer weather and the scent of blooming flowers in the air, springtime signals lighter, brighter, and more colorful fruits and vegetables. 

Buying and cooking with seasonal produce ensures that your food offers the most flavor and freshness. If you buy seasonal produce from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets in your area, then you support the community. The great thing about conversing with farmers is that you can ask them about seasonal items you aren’t familiar with. They may give you helpful tips that lead to flavorful creations in your kitchen. 

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase your nutritional intake. The transportation time and distance is much less, so the produce items don’t lose as many nutrients. Plucked from the plant and straight to the farmer’s market they go! Additionally, you add more variety to your diet by adjusting your grocery list to the season. You may even save money because you’re eating produce at its peak availability. Let’s explore some of the best fruits and vegetables to eat during spring. 

Leeks

Say hello to the onion’s sweeter, milder cousin: the mighty leek. Leeks are powerful sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and folate. They exhibit quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound that promotes a healthy heart. You can braise or sauté leeks or incorporate them into stews, soups, stir-fries, and more. Some people even blend them into salad dressings!

Strawberries

Strawberries exhibit an impressive nutritional profile, boasting lots of folate, manganese, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. One cup of strawberries provides 149% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The anthocyanins give strawberries their beautiful red hue, and these antioxidants help reduce free radical damage. Strawberries may also assist with blood sugar regulation during meals, which researchers attribute to their polyphenols. Eat them fresh, add them to smoothies, or throw them into desserts.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are the leaves from the mustard plant, which originated in the Himalayas over 5,000 years ago. They are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. One cup of cooked mustard greens offers 500% of your RDI of vitamin K, and 175% of your RDI of vitamin A, and 60% of your RDI of vitamin C. They also contain fiber, folate, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Enjoy them in salads, soups, stir-fries, or even smoothies if you love green concoctions. 

Mangos

Many people see mangos year round, so it may not seem like they have a season. During the spring, however, you’ll find the freshest and juiciest varieties. Their season lasts from March through June, and they tend to be popular in sorbets, salsas, smoothies, and fruit salads. Rich in folate, fiber, copper, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and more, there’s no reason not to eat mangos during the spring.

Asparagus

These beautiful green spears may make your pee smell, but they are some of the most nutritionally-dense things you can eat. One-half cup of cooked asparagus offers two-thirds of the RDI of vitamin K and one-third of your RDI of folate. Asparagus also offers lots of dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamins A & C, and it even exhibits anti-cancer properties. You can roast, grill, sauté, steam, and puree asparagus, so that means that there’s no shortage of recipes!

Fava Beans

Fava beans are an ancient pea variety with a distinct nutty flavor and buttery texture. They exhibit an impressive amount of fiber, but they also contain folate, manganese, thiamine, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Fresh fava beans require more preparation, as you have to shuck and peel them. Once you tackle that step, you can cook them and add them to salads, soups, risottos, or blend them into a puree. 

Radishes

These beautiful red golf ball-looking cruciferous veggies have a spicy flavor that some people find off-putting. Others, however, find them incredibly addictive and love to add them to salads,  tacos, and root vegetable purees. One cup of radishes supplies you with one-third of your RDI of vitamin C, but they also offer fiber, folate, potassium, and B vitamins. Radishes contain isothiocyanates, which have been studied for cancer prevention. They also contain an anti-fungal protein called RsAPF2, which may be effective at treating Candida albicans. 

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Picture this: it is a hot sunny day and you want a little sweet treat to help you cool off. Your taste buds yearn for something refreshing and delightful, and there is no better way to respond than with these homemade strawberry banana popsicles.

These vibrant, fruity frozen treats are not only visibly stunning, but they also taste great and exhibit impressive health benefits. Think of these homemade pops like fruit smoothies on sticks. You start with a ripe banana, which is where the majority of your sweetness comes from in this recipe. Peel it, slice it up, and freeze it the night before you want to make these popsicles. Next, you have some juicy strawberries, which provide some sweetness with a subtle tartness. To round out the recipe, you have freshly squeezed orange juice. Make sure this is not that store bought sugary bottled stuff! Squeeze a couple oranges to yield a half-cup. Toss everything in a blender and blend until y achieve a smooth mixture that packs a flavor punch.

Now, let’s talk about some benefits! Strawberries exhibit impressive antioxidant activity and contain a lot of vitamin and fiber. Some studies show that they help to boost immune function and keep the skin glowing. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is necessary for muscle function and heart health. Increasing your potassium intake may your efforts to lower blood pressure levels.

Do you want to know the best part? You can whip up a batch of these strawberry banana popsicles in under 10 minutes. Freeze them overnight and you’ll have guilt-free frozen treats you can enjoy this summer!

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It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this, folks. We are, of course, referring to this hydrating, sweetly tart watermelon, blueberry, and strawberry fruit salad that truly embodies the essence of summer. The flavors are as vibrant as the fruit salad is colorful! This delightful blend of summer produce combines juicy and crisp watermelon, slightly tart blueberries, and succulently sweet strawberries. It’s truly the perfect balance for your taste buds. This watermelon berry salad can do it all, whether you want to enjoy this as a light snack, a refreshing side dish, or a colorful addition to brunch. Allow us to explain how this fruit salad benefits your health:

1. Hydration: Watermelon is about 92% water, which makes it an excellent choice for encouraging hydration during hot weather. It also provides vitamin C and other nutrients.
2. Rich in antioxidants: Both blueberries and strawberries contain lots of antioxidant compounds, which work to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Vitamins and nutrients: This salad is packed with vitamins A and C, which work to optimize immune function, skin health, and overall wellness.
4. Heart health: The different nutrients in this fruit salad may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, two efforts that enhance heart health.
5. Fiber-rich: Strawberries and blueberries provide dietary fiber, which works to improve digestion and maintain a healthy gut.

Enjoy this nutrient-dense watermelon berry salad not just for flavor, but also for the numerous health benefits. We hope you love it as much as we do! How can you not love that surprising kiss of mint?!

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Has anyone out there vowed to eat more beets? If you did, then good on you! Beets are highly nutritious root vegetables that are just a little bit earthy. They are naturally rich in fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and iron, in addition to other plant compounds. Both beetroots and beetroot juice may help to improve blood flow, increase exercise performance, and lower blood pressure. According to research, many of these benefits are attributed to the high content of inorganic nitrates.

After reading that little blurb about beets, don’t you think you should include more of them in your diet? Yes, is the answer, in case you were wondering. Although they exhibit an earthy flavor, you can tame it by pairing beets with the right ingredients. In the case of this beet smoothie, for instance, the strawberries, apple, and fresh lemon juice distract your taste buds from the signature beet flavor. It isn’t overly sweet, but it is wonderfully creamy, which you can attribute to the homemade almond milk.

Regarding the almond milk. Store bought almond milk is not acceptable if you are cleansing. This recipe also calls for alcohol-free vanilla extract, which adds a nutty, vanilla flavor. Now, you can exclude this if you make your own vanilla almond milk. All you have to do is add some dates or agave with vanilla extract to the blending process when you make your almond milk. That will establish a lovely vanilla base flavor that is a pleasant undertone in this beet smoothie.

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When you think of electrolytes, you most likely think of brightly colored sports drinks sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations. In reality, these sports drinks contain a hefty amount of sugar, dyes, added flavors, and preservatives. You get more sugar than electrolytes when you consume them.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals, including calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium. The term “electrolytes” refers to particles that carry positive or negative electric charges. From a nutritional standpoint, these are the vital nutrients in your sweat, blood, and urine. When potassium, sodium, or calcium dissolve in a fluid, they form electrolytes, which are positive or negative ions in metabolic processes. Electrolytes are necessary to keep the nervous system and muscles functioning. They also help to balance your internal environment.

Although drinking electrolyte-rich beverages can help fuel the body, they aren’t the only sources. You can find a variety of electrolytes in various fruits and vegetables, the top eight of which we detail below. 

Coconut Water

Coconut water refers to the clear liquid found within a young, green coconut. Some scientists refer to it as nature’s sports drink because it exhibits an impressive electrolyte composition. Coconut water offers potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium, all of which play critical roles in maintaining hydration, ensuring muscle and nerve function, and regulating heart function. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is the quintessential fruit of summer. Not only is it refreshing and hydrating, but it is a great natural source of electrolytes. Watermelon contains potassium, a small amount of sodium, and magnesium. Those electrolytes aid with muscle function, balancing bodily fluids, and hydration. Watermelon is also rich in other nutrients, such as vitamins A and C and lycopene, which is an antioxidant beneficial for heart health. 

Tomatoes 

Just like watermelon, tomatoes also contain lycopene, which gives them their signature red color. Tomatoes are often underestimated as a hydrating fruit, but they are naturally rich in water and electrolytes. They are great sources of potassium, which is vital for muscle contractions, nerve function, and fluid regulation. Additionally, tomatoes contain magnesium, sodium, and other antioxidants that support overall health. 

Strawberries

Strawberries are known for their great taste and impressive antioxidant content, but they also provide several electrolytes. They contain potassium, which helps nerve signaling and heart function. Strawberries also provide magnesium, which works to regulate blood sugar levels and supports muscle and nerve function. 

Pistachios

These small but mighty nuts may cost a pretty penny, but they are oh so worth it. Pistachios contain magnesium, and potassium, both of which support nerve signal transmission and blood pressure regulation. In addition to the electrolytes they provide, pistachios offer healthy fats and antioxidants. That makes these nuts a great addition to any balanced nutrition program. 

Spinach And Kale

Yet another reason to eat leafy greens, kale and spinach offer lots of magnesium and potassium. These two electrolytes work to regulate blood pressure and support overall heart function. Spinach has a mild flavor, so you can incorporate it into a variety of dishes. Kale tends to have a slightly bitter flavor, but you can tame that if you combine it with the right ingredients. Kale also offers calcium, which supports healthy bones and teeth, in addition to heart function.

Avocados

People praise avocados for their healthy fat content, but they also contain a couple electrolytes: potassium and magnesium. They even contain more potassium than bananas! Both magnesium and potassium work to maintain fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. Finally, the healthy fats in avocados are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide slow-burning fuel for the body. 

Oranges

Oranges are naturally rich in vitamin C, but they also contain potassium and calcium. That combination of nutrients makes oranges great for maintaining hydration and overall health. While potassium contributes to optimal heart function and nerve signaling, calcium supports bone health and has a hand in nerve transmission and muscle function. To reap these benefits, make sure you consume fresh oranges or freshly squeezed orange juice. Do not just consume store bought orange juice and think that you will get the same benefits, because you won’t.

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Summertime, and the eating’s easy. Summer barbecues, outdoor picnics, and beach days are all fun-in-the-sun events that involve food. The food options are not usually the healthiest options, though. With all of the beautiful, nutritious fruits and vegetables available during the summer months, though, you should focus your efforts on consuming as many of them as possible. Leave the hotdogs in the store and grab some seasonal produce!

Some of the fruits and vegetables that ripen during summer can be quite excellent for your heart. The reason for this is because they contain an assortment of antioxidant compounds. 

What Are Antioxidants?

If you are familiar with Dherbs, you know how much we love to discuss antioxidants. If you want to keep your body as healthy as possible, learn to love antioxidants. According to studies, antioxidants protect the cells in your body from damaging free radicals, or oxidants. These molecules are a byproduct of using oxygen and they can be introduced to the body via radiation, tobacco smoke, or environmental pollution. 

Antioxidants work by binding to these free radical molecules, preventing them from damaging other cells in the body. Some examples of antioxidants include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lycopene
• Beta-carotene
• Selenium

The best seasonal produce you can get will be from the farmer’s market, but many local grocery stores offer local and organic produce items. There are plenty of options to choose from this summer, but the following options can help benefit your heart. 

Peaches

A summer classic, peaches come in both yellow and white varieties. The subtle orange hue of the flesh exists because of the antioxidant it contains. That antioxidant is beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A as it breaks the food down. Beta-carotene may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but studies confirm that it will not help prevent coronary heart disease. 

Cherries

Sticking to the stone fruit family, we have cherries, which only have a limited window of availability of freshness. Both sweet and sour cherries can help decrease inflammation and boost heart health. Some studies suggest that sour cherry juice can drastically help your efforts to reduce the damaging effects, or potential damage, of oxidants. 

Tomatoes

These fruits (technically not vegetables) are high in lycopene, a natural compound that gives them their signature vibrant red color. Because of that, the skin is where most of the antioxidants are. One study found that a higher presence of lycopene in the body was associated with a lower risk of hypertension. Additionally, a separate study found that lycopene may exhibit anti-hypertensive effects in rats without causing hypotension. 

Strawberries

Before we get into the health benefits of strawberries, it is important to note that they usually are high on the Dirty Dozen list. For this reason, health experts encourage you to buy organic strawberries. Strawberries are the quintessential summer berry and contain a lot of vitamin C. As they ripen, they become more red, which means more antioxidants for you! Strawberries may help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood. Berry consumption has also been linked to better gut, immune, and cardiovascular function. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are an easy berry to say yes to if you want to improve heart health and enjoy brain-boosting benefits. The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages people to consume blueberries because they provide lots of fiber, which works to encourage optimal gut and heart health. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that give blueberries their blue hue. 

Broccoli

Eating more broccoli is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet, but it may also encourage healthier heart function. Many studies confirm that broccoli can help lower blood sugar, promote healthy digestion, and boost immune function. Researchers note that broccoli exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help support healthy blood pressure levels and lower LDL cholesterol. Broccoli is also rich in fiber, which can reduce your risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular disease.

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If ever there was a juice that screamed, “Summer is here,” it would be this watermelon cherry and berry beet juice. Did we create this juice because we had some leftover ingredients lying around? In truth, yes, but we are so glad that we used what we had! Sometimes, challenging yourself with the ingredients you have can yield tremendous creations, such as this refreshing, summery juice. Plus, the rich crimson color makes this juice quite the appetizing beverage.

One of the great things about this juice is that it aids your hydration efforts. Watermelon has a high water content and offers a lot of vitamin C, just like the strawberries, beets, and cherries. Now, if you don’t enjoy strawberries, you can opt for raspberries instead, but they may cause the juice to taste more tart. That is also true for the cherries that you choose, as some varieties are sweet while others are more sour (hence the name sour cherry juice). Just make sure that you pit the cherries prior to processing them through your juicer.

There is definitely a red trend for this watermelon cherry and berry beet juice recipe. It’s great to embrace the different colors of the rainbow when it comes to your diet. The “eat the rainbow” motto helps you get a diverse mix of antioxidants and polyphenols, many of which you will not get if you only eat a select number of fruits and vegetables. Beets, for example, contain betanin, which gives them their deep red pigment and may be responsible for some of the health benefits.

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It might not be the Summer of Love, but you’ll love these summery, homemade popsicles. With just three simple, real-food ingredients, these strawberry orange popsicles are to die for. It’s like a sweet and tangy union of strawberries and oranges, with a sweet note from the maple syrup. It’s like a match made in flavor heaven, or in this case, your freezer. You can enjoy them as an adult or make them for your kids. You’re never too old to enjoy a popsicle, especially if the weather is hot!

What’s great about these popsicles is that they are so easy to make. You need three ingredients, a blender, and popsicle molds. We recommend using silicone popsicle molds because you can get the pops out of them much more easily than a classic plastic mold. You know those old school popsicle molds that broke the pops as you tried to take them out.

Homemade strawberry orange popsicles have a just the right amount of sweetness with a tiny hint of tartness. They are loaded with vitamin C and have very few calories. Because strawberries are usually on the Dirty Dozen list (click here for more info on that), we recommend that you get organic strawberries. Also, if you are not cleansing, you do not have to make freshly squeezed orange juice. We do encourage you to purchase the option that is cold-pressed, though, as most store bought orange juice varieties contain preservatives and excess sugar.

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It’s not often that you get to say, “I can’t wait to dive into this bowl of raw vegan ice cream that doesn’t contain added sugars.” That’s not a sentence that people ever utter, but maybe we should change that. This mango pineapple turmeric ice cream is creamy, perfectly sweet, fruity, and mouthwateringly delicious. You’ll wish your bowl wasn’t empty after you devour your first scoop or two.

Not only do mango and pineapple provide the sweetness, but they also do wonders for your gut health. The addition of turmeric makes this raw vegan ice cream anti-inflammatory in nature. Plus, this recipe contains fresh liquid and meat from young Thai coconuts. Fresh coconut water is naturally sweet and provides electrolytes that help enhance your hydration efforts. If you cannot get your hands on a young Thai coconut in the grocery store, feel free to use a regular coconut with hard meat. The water is not as sweet, but it provides similar electrolytes and flavor. Alternatively, just use filtered water!

If you like a sweet and refreshing dessert after dinner, this is going to be your new favorite recipe. You can top it with unsweetened, desiccated coconut, raw agave nectar, berries, or any other type of fresh fruit. If you want to be experimental, feel free to blend strawberries into the ice cream. Lastly, it is sweet enough to the point where you don’t need agave nectar or maple syrup. In fact, you can even serve it to your kids as a healthy treat!

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Mangos, kiwis, blueberries, strawberries. A classic fruit salad. Add some lime juice and a bit of Tajin? Now we are talking!

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