With the new season upon us, there are tons of delicious and healthy foods we can add to our diets which offer benefits for our overall health and wellbeing.
The power of plants is now being understood in conjunction with leading a sustainable lifestyle. Plus understanding how our body works and learning that there are different types of healthy body fat that keeps us functioning is all a part of our overall health and well-being.
Take a look at these top seasonal favorites to help boost your health and well-being this summer:
Bok Choy
Bok Choy is a nutrient-dense vegetable widely used in Chinese cooking. One cup of chopped bok choy has 3 grams of carbohydrates and just 20 calories. This is so low it is considered in the negative calorie category of foods, whereby your body actually uses up more calories, digesting it than are in the food itself. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A if needed, and also full of vitamin C to really give your health a boost.
Acai Berries
Acai berries have long been recognized as a super food thanks to their antioxidant properties. Foods high in antioxidants can help to slow down the signs of ageing and protect the body from a range of health issues, and can help to prevent cognitive decline. Some studies show that acai berries are richer in antioxidant properties than blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries, so they’re well worth adding to your diet.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a nutrient-packed herb which has tonnes of health-boosting properties, helping to effectively alleviate aches and pains, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha can also help to increase muscular endurance and stamina, improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and also boost the immune system.
Dandelions
Dandelions are tiny nutritional powerhouses. They’re loaded with vitamins A, B, C, and D; minerals including potassium, iron, and zinc; and phytonutrients like beta-carotene. Furthermore, you can actually eat the whole dandelion too. The petals hare packed with antioxidants and minerals to help flush out toxins and boost your immune system.
Grapefruit Seeds
Grapefruit seed extract or Citricidal as it is more commonly known is a derived from the seeds, pulp and white membranes of grapefruit. These powerful seeds possess antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and are frequently recommended to treat candidiasis, earaches, and throat infections.
Kefir
This unique cultured dairy product is one of the most probiotic-rich foods on the planet, with incredible health-boosting properties. Kefir is made with grains that harness a combination of bacteria and yeasts to create a lightly fermented drink. Another plus side is, lactose-intolerant people can drink it too! A regular dose of kefir can help to boost immunity, support digestion and help ease skin conditions including eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Arame
Arame is a species of kelp grown mostly in the Pacific Ocean. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, and high in iodine, iron, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium as well as phytonutrients and antioxidants. Arame has natural detoxing properties, helping the body to flush out toxins naturally and can help regulate hormones to fight off symptoms of PMS.
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