The Vitamin Channel

The Beauty of Eating Seasonally, The August Edition!!

The Beauty of Eating Seasonally, The August Edition!!!

We’ve all heard it before, eat seasonally!! But why? The answer has multiple facets.

Eating this way, we can become more aware of what is fresh and what is not. The fact is, if we’re eating nectarines in March, chances are they were ripened artificially, grown in another region of the world, shipped to your neck of the woods, stored in warehouses, then stored in stores, etc.… Not very appealing. Picking fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown where you reside has many benefits. It connects you to nature and helps you get fresh, naturally grown, and healthy produce. It can also stimulate your local economy.

“So How Do I Know What’s In Season?”

The Vitamin Channel’s got you covered! As a matter of fact, this being August, we will talk about seasonal produce pertaining to this month. We won’t stop there. This is The Vitamin Channel after all.

We will also briefly describe what makes the vegetable or fruit worth buying and eating.

Having said that, let’s see the goodies August has for us. Keep this in mind as you read on. First and foremost is your safety.

Please note!!!!

If you will increase your risk of exposure to Covid-19, read this post, gather from it what you like, but stay home and avoid crowds of potentially sick people. Second, I’ve picked 9 nutritionally noteworthy fruits and vegetables to discuss this month; but, there are many more to consider. Third, many fruits and vegetables are in season for several months, so don’t worry if you catch this article at the end of June or July!

9 Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables to Consider Buying in August.

  1. Apples: With so many varieties to choose from, apples from your farmers’ market at currently at their peak!!
    Apples are a tasty way to add fiber to your diet. If eaten as part of a high fiber, low fat diet, they can help alleviate constipation and bloating, and can even ease symptoms of diarrhea. According to a study by the American Medical Association (AMA), regular consumption of apples has been associated with preservation of brain function, cancer prevention, weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and even reduction in asthma symptoms. Maybe an apple a day can keep the doctor away 🙂
  2. Blackberries: This sweet berry is an excellent source of Vitamin B9, C, and Potassium, among others. Black berries are full of phytonutrients which benefits the cardiovascular system, boosts immune function, and helps regulate the digestive system. August is the perfect month to enjoy them in a smoothie or as a dessert. Let us know how you like to eat your blackberries!! Don’t forget to check out the daily posts on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for  yummy and easy to blend smoothies recepies!
  3. Peaches: Full of vitamins, minerals, and high in fiber, peaches prevent the development of certain cancers due to their high antioxidant content. Just be sure to purchase organic and avoid canned peaches. Vegan peach cobbler anyone??
  4. Plums: A sweet way to get your vitamins and minerals. Plums are a great source of Vitamins A, C, and K.
    They are very high in fiber which keeps us satisfied and prevents overeating and obesity. Plums have also been linked to cancer prevention. They are high in Magnesium and Potassium which help prevent the incidence of certain types of irregular heart rhythms.
  5. Potatoe: These days some people consider potatoes as something to be avoided at all costs. However, in healthy, non-diabetic individuals, they provide satiety and satisfaction, and provide steady levels of energy. They are also a good source of Calcium, Potassium, and Vitamin B6.
  6. Radicchio: Great this time of year, they make any salad more visually pleasing. Radicchio is very high in Vitamin K. It aids blood sugar regulation due to its high fiber content and helps dieters achieve weight loss beacuse it has very few calories. It can also help prevent hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
  7. Raspberries: Who can pass up beautiful farmers market raspberries? We’ve all seen them siting pretty among the other berries, beckoning the gourmet produce shopper.
    There are definitely many good reasons to enjoy this fruit. Raspberries are considered a super food due to their high nutrient value. They can help our digestive system, cardiovascular system, eye health, immune system, and skin. Who knew staying healthy could be so sweet!!
  8. Squash: Summer squash are so versatile and can be steamed, grilled, or fried, accompanying various main course dishes beautifully. They are high in beta-carotene, which fights free radical cell damage and keeps us from pre-mature aging. 1 Cup provides 20 calories and can provide a healthy amount of Manganese and Copper. Finally,
  9. Tomatoes: A popular seasonal favorite. If purchased in season and locally grown, they are one of the tastiest additions to many dishes. Tomatoes help prevent free radical cell damage and they prevent heart disease and boost immune function. Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene which  protects skin from UV rays. Vitamin C contained in tomatoes supports healthy skin structure. They are also known to help prevent prostate cancer. With tomatoes, the list of benefits is long and impressive. Take advantage of this beauty anytime you can.

Thanks for spending your time with me.

XOXO,

Dr. Ela

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Eating Seasonally, The September Edition!!!

Eating Seasonally, The September Edition!!!

Eating seasonally, we’ve all heard it before. But why? The answer has multiple facets. Eating this way, we can become more aware of what is fresh and what is not. The fact is, if we’re eating nectarines in March, chances are they were ripened artificially, grown in another region of the world, shipped to your neck of the woods, stored in warehouses, then stored in stores, etc.…

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