Spring is that time of the year when everything around us is fresh. Nature is in its full swing during the spring season, showering us its full vigor and radiance to the fullest. To ensure that you are able to make the most out of this spring bonanza, we are going to talk about four super foods that you ought to try out this spring season, and see how they boost your health. Two of the following are well known, the other two might come as a bit of a surprise.
So let us take a look at those super foods, which by the way have been backed up by science as well:
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is a big source of folate, which we normally know as Vitamin B. According to David Mischoulon M.D., a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, “Folate is important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.” These neurotransmitters play an important role in boosting your mood. Throw in some asparagus with a cup of pasta, fortified with folic acid and you will have a feel-good meal that is going to keep your spirits high throughout the day. Or how about a simple recipe? Check this one out:
2. Artichokes
Full of energy, artichokes are the biggest surprise that spring has in store for you. The food item is loaded with magnesium, which plays a major role in the generation of energy within the body. This is what a U.S. Department of Agriculture research nutritionist, Forrest Nielsen, PhD, has to say about the importance of magnesium in the diet, “If you’re not getting enough magnesium, your muscles have to work harder to react and you tire more quickly”. That said, we know people aren’t so used to eating artichoke after all. Here’s a really simple recipe for tasty baked artichoke!
3. Strawberries
Yeah yeah, we all know strawberries are healthy. They’re also super tasty and loaded with antioxidants. This means that strawberries can also be a great thing for your skin. They help you repair the skin damage caused by natural factors like UV rays, pollution etc. And don’t forget about their anti-aging capabilities. According to Dr. Ostad, “Direct application of the antioxidants in strawberries—as well as the natural exfoliant they contain alpha-hydroxy acid—will give you great results.” And guess what? It’s spring and few things taste better than some juicy strawberries (maybe with cream?). For some additional information about the health benefits of strawberries, as well as a couple of great recipes, click here.
4. Walnuts
The last name that we have on the list is that of walnuts. Containing with tryptophan, which helps in the formation of serotonin – the feel good hormone in the body, walnuts are shown to contribute to mood stability and increase stress tolerance of a person. So if you are looking for a food item that keeps your energy high throughout the day and perks up the mood, then throwing in a couple of walnuts in your meal won’t be a bad idea! Check out the following video for a great salad with walnuts (and strawberries!) for a healthy and delicious way to begin your meal this Spring.
In the end, food is not about tasting good, it’s also about health. As David Katz, MD, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center says, “Food, if it’s chosen well, can reshape our medical destinies for the better.” Right? Choosing the right foods can be the difference between a healthy living and a not so healthy one. Like they say, we are what we eat. So if you want to integrate more healthy living, try adding these super foods in your diet and see how they work out for you!
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