Ever notice that some of the produce you eat, depending on the season, just tastes fresher? That's because it is! When you buy produce that is in-season, it's not being shipped to your local market from who knows where, it's actually grown locally! This means that it has been planted and plucked for your enjoyment much more recently. You are also supporting local farmers every time you purchase fruits and veggies that are in-season. How cool is that? Use this handy dandy guide to purchase the freshest produce this month! Now go make a trip to your local farmers market and give yourself a pat on the back. :)
The best produce to purchase in January and some of their amazing health benefits:
Lemon: Lemons are alkalizing for the body and rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds. (7)
Lime: In addition to their unique phytonutrient properties, limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. (1)
Kale: These veggies are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, and phytochemicals and antioxidants. (4)
Apple: High fiber and pectin levels make apples a satisfying snack. (3)
Carrot: With this familiar powerfood, you get lots of vitamin A and a host of other benefits. (6)
Fresh Herbs: Herbs and Spices have antibacterial and antiviral properties and many are high in B-vitamins and trace minerals. (2)
Sweet Potato: Rich in vitamin A and C, sweet potatoes contain a digestive enzyme that takes the body longer to break down so you feel satisfied longer. (8)
Arugula: Arugula is one leafy green vegetable that stands out as a rich source of vitamins A & K. (9)
Leek: Contain important amounts of the flavonoid kaempferol, which has repeatedly been shown to help protect our blood vessel linings from damage, including damage by overly reactive oxygen molecules. (10)
Mushroom: Mushrooms are known to concentrate heavy metals, as well as air and water pollutants, so healthy growing conditions is a critical factor. (11)
Beet: Rich in folate, nitrates and anthocyanins to help improve blood flow. (5)
-Katie
SOURCES:
1. "Lemons/Limes."
The World's Healthiest Foods. The George Mateljan Foundation, 2015. Web.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27
2. "The Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices | Wellness Mama."
Wellness Mama. Spears Marketing, 2016. Web. <
https://wellnessmama.com/1092/herbs-spices-benefits/>.
3. “11 Foods That Lower Cholesterol – Harvard Health.”
Harvard Health. Harvard Health Publications, 1 Oct. 2009. Web.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/11-foods-that-lower-cholesterol
4. “Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium You Can’t Miss.”
Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium You Can’t Miss. Healthaliciousness.com, 2015. Web.
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/food-sources-of-potassium.php
5. Eat Your Beets – And Build A Better Brain. (2010, November 8). Retrieved August 7, 2015, from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/206916.php
6. Breene, Sophie. “The Best Fruits and Vegetables to Eat This Winter.”
The Best Fruits and Vegetables to Eat This Winter. Northeast Ohio Media Group., 11 Dec. 2013. Web.
http://www.cleveland.com/cooking/index.ssf/2013/12/the_best_fruits_and_vegetables.html
7. Berhow, Bennett. “Lemons/Limes.”
WHFoods.com. The George Mateljan Foundation, 1 July 1994. Web.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=2
8. Mercola, Joseph. “Sweet Potatoes: A Tasty Treat for Your Health.”
Mercola.com. Mercola Publishing Inc., 2015. Web.
http://articles.mercola.com/sweet-potato.aspx
9. "5 Things You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Arugula."
LIVESTRONG.COM. Demand Media, 2015. Web.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/5381-need-health-benefits-arugula/.
10. "Health Benefits of Leeks."
The World's Healthiest Foods. The George Mateljan Foundation, 2015. Web.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=26.
11. "The Many Health Benefits of Eating Mushrooms."
Mercola.com. Dr. Joseph Mercola, 2015. Web.
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/13/mushroom-benefits.aspx
