Thank you to our BWB Naturopath, Chae Calder from The Wellness Emporium, for this terrific article. 

The Best 3 Healthy Foods For Eating Well This Spring!

Spring is the time of the year where nature is coming alive again. It is a time for renewal in all areas of our life, especially in the areas of health and wellness.

As the temperature heats up we become more motivated and ready to reset.

To kick off your health goals this spring, let’s take a look at three in season foods that can help your health!

Strawberries.

Strawberries are well known for their rich red colour and juicy flavour, but do you know how they benefit your health?

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage, fibre to support a healthy gut microbiome and a number of key vitamins that can help to support a healthy heart and manage blood sugar levels.

Strawberries are packed full of vitamins, including;

• vitamin C,
• manganese,
• folate and
• potassium.

Just one serving of strawberries (approx. 6) contains more vitamin C than an orange!

Tip – Ensure to buy organic strawberries,

as non-organic srawberries are rated number 1 in the dirty dozen list for being sprayed heavily with toxic pesticides and other chemicals.

Artichokes.

Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region and come alive in spring!

They are often eaten for the broad range of health benefits they possess. This includes

• supporting liver health,
• promoting healthy cholesterol levels,
• assisting digestive function and
• strengthening the immune system.

Artichokes also get the award for being the top antioxidant rich vegetable. 

Artichokes are rich in fibre, with just one medium artichoke containing a whopping one-quarter of your recommended daily intake!

Fibre not only helps to reduce the risk of heart disease but it also helps to support digestive health.

Artichokes contain a unique type of fibre called inulin. Inulin is a type of prebiotic fibre that has been shown to help reduce digestive complaints such

• as Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
• constipation, diarhoea,
• bloating and
• nausea.

Artichokes are also loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin C, K and folate, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium.

The edible parts of the artichoke are the leaves and the heart. They can be sautéed, boiled, grilled, steamed or roasted.

Now it’s time to add artichokes to next weeks shopping list!

Mangoes.

Yep! Spring time is when mangoes start to shine!

These tropical fruits only grow in warmer climates and are both refreshing and delicious.

Although mangoes get a bad rap for containing a high amount of sugar, they are great for your health, especially you gut!

Mangoes exhibit several beneficial properties that help to support gut health.

First of all, mangoes contain a group of digestive enzymes called amylases. Amylases help to break down complex carbohydrates so that they can be easily absorbed.

Mangoes also contain a high amount of water and fibre, which are essential for a healthy functioning gut. Studies have shown that a mango a day can effectively relieve symptoms of constipation. Further studies have also demonstrated that mangoes exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have the potential to benefit those with ulcerative colitis, an irritable bowel disease.

Mangoes are also one of the riches foods in Vitamin C. They are also rich in vitamin A and contain good levels of folate, B6 and iron.

If you are trying to watch your sugar intake – ensure to limit mangoes to a couple of slices per day.