insideKENT Magazine Issue 86 - May 2019 | Seite 125

Asparagus
Asparagus is such a fresh, spring-like vegetable
that is always a pleasure to see on a plate – it
means that the winter has finally packed its
bags for another year. Asparagus’ main claim
to fame is the amount of fibre it contains which,
as we’ve already explored, is fantastic for the
digestive system. Plus there is vitamin C and
K in there too.
One of the most delicious ways to eat asparagus
would be to steam or roast it, and dip it in
runny egg yolk instead of using toast – it makes
for a delicious meal.
Avocado
Avocados are extremely popular at the
moment, and for good reason. They have a
uniquely creamy texture and flavour, but their
health benefits are fantastic too. Avocados are
a rich source of omega 3 fats, antioxidants,
vitamin E and protein.
Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the chance of
heart attack and stroke, and vitamin E
maintains healthy skin and eyes as well as
boosting the immune system.
Avocados are truly versatile foods that taste
great no matter whether you put them in a
salad, a sandwich, make them into a dip, or
put them into a dessert. If you really don’t like
the taste, you can mash them up and use them
as a face mask too!
Kiwi
Kiwi fruit is super tasty and super good for
you, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t
have more of them in your life. They cleanse
the palette and the blood, so they’re ideal in
a sorbet, plus they balance blood sugar
levels, helping to keep your body regulated
and healthy.
Peas
Although peas are actually a starchy kind
of vegetable – therefore they contain
more calories and carbs than others which
can have a negative effect on blood sugar levels
– they are still better for you than a lot of other
foods, and are incredibly nutritious. They
contain protein, vitamins A, C and K, niacin,
folate, thiamine and fibre, so they’re great for
your gut.
Boil them in plain water and once they are
drained and still hot add a knob of butter.
Spinach
There is only one problem with spinach – you
need a lot of it to make a good meal out it!
However, as a garnish, an ingredient, or in a
smoothie it’s amazing, and amazingly good
for you too. Just 30g of spinach will give you
a whopping 56 percent of your daily vitamin
A requirement, and all of your vitamin K.
You get all of that, and it will only cost you
seven calories.
Watercress
Watercress has been used for centuries in
herbal medicines, but scientific studies haven’t
confirmed exactly what it can do for us. All
we do know is that generations have believed
that watercress has exceptional healing
properties. The studies that have been carried
out have determined one important fact,
however; in test tubes, watercress extract seems
to be able to target cancer stem cells, stopping
them from reproducing.
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