The Vitamin Channel

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

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

Eating Seasonally, 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 February, 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 July, 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.

So, without any further delay, let’s see the goodies July has for us. Keep this in mind as you read on. First and foremost is your safety.

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 8 nutritionally noteworthy fruits and vegetables to discuss this month; but, there may be 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!

8 Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables to Consider Buying in July.

  1. Apricots: So sweet and delicious whether fresh or dried. We love apricots for their great taste. However, there is more to this sweet treat than meets the eye. According to The International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine, apricots can benefit cardiovascular health due to their soluble fiber, Beta-Carotene, and lycopene content. These bioactive compounds help to reduce the risk of some cancers and cardiovascular disease.
  2. Arugula: It is considered a “powerhouse food” by the National Institute of Health, but it is chronically underappreciated. July is the month to change that and show some love and appreciation for the mighty Arugula. Further, Arugula is rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, C, and K.  It’s also rich in Folic Acid, high in Iron and calcium which makes it a great vegan source for preventing osteoporosis and iron deficiency anemia. Arugula will be a popular salad staple this summer.
  3. Corn: If purchased fresh, organic, locally grown, corn can supply energy and support stamina. Corn has essential amino acids that when combined with legumes, will supply the body with all its needs for amino acids. Also, it is also high in fiber which regulates digestion.
  4. Fennel: Fresh, locally grown and in season, fennel has a wonderful licorice flavor. When added to savory meals, it enhances the aroma and flavor of any dish. Rich in fiber, fennel can induce satiety and aid in weight loss. Fennel benefits don’t stop there however. According to a meta-analysis study published in the Journal of Menopausal Medicine, fennel can help alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and improve sleep in menopausal women. As it turns out, fennel is a menopausal gal’s best friend.
  5. Green Onion: Talk about tasty! Chopped green onions improve the flavor of a variety of dishes. These little guys pack a punch of the Vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid. Try them chopped with garlic and ginger for a tasty trinity of flavor.
  6. Lettuce: Considered a very low-calorie food, lettuce’s water’s content is very good, especially in the summer months. Lettuce has an impressive amount of essential minerals such as Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, and Phosphorus.
    Let’s fill up on this veggie while it’s in season.
  7. Swiss chard: We’re so happy this veggie is in season because it is so good for our health.
    Just 3,5 oz. of it, supply 20 % of the Iron and Magnesium needed in a day.  Swiss chard contains one of the highest amounts of Vitamin K and is a very rich source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  What makes this vegetable so amazing is that 3.5 oz. of it has only 1-2 calories. If battling the bulge, swiss chard is an obvious go-to vegetable this month.
  8. Zucchini: If you’re avoiding starches but crave noodles, why not try spiral cut zucchini noodles?  They are great for weight loss. In fact, 1 cup has only 20 little calories. It’s time to enjoy noodles again!!

Thanks for spending your time with me.

XOXO,

Dr. Ela

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