HEALTH & WELLNESS
Seasonal foods
perfect for summertime – or anytime
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS FROM
Like most people, you’ve probably been
told that fruits and vegetables are “good
for you,” but are you aware of their health
benefits? A diet rich in antioxidants found
in fruits and veggies could help reduce your
risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies re-
flect the growing body of evidence that their
phytochemicals – particularly the flavonoids found in berries –
can contribute to promoting health and may reduce the risk of
major chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Exceptionally nutritious and healthful, berries and veggies
help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, improve
hypertension and fight cancer and other diseases. They support
a longer, improved quality of life with improved memory and
cognition and can even put you in a better mood – and, an add-
ed bonus of these “real” foods: They are also delicious!
Here are just a few fruits and veggies readily available at your
local farm stand this summer – as well as in your supermarket
– which you can easily add to your daily diet and enjoy all year
long:
• Blueberries: Often a top choice of nutritionists, this berry
is loaded with antioxidants and ranks high in potassium
and also vitamin C, which plays a key role in forming com-
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ponents of cartilage. Blueberries are also a
good source of vitamin K, an essential nutri-
ent for bone formation and blood clotting.
There is evidence they may also reduce the
risk of insulin resistance, helping to protect
against diabetes, and may protect against
inflammation associated with chronic dis-
eases such as osteoporosi s and cardiovascular disease. Sci-
entists have found that blueberries may lower cholesterol
levels. And the flavonoids in just one-half cup of this tasty
berry can positively affect the elasticity of your blood ves-
sels.
• Asparagus: This tasty vegetable – highly nutritious, packed
with lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber – offers plenty of
positive effects in the body. Just one cup of asparagus pro-
vides more than 100 percent of the DV for vitamin K, and it’s
high in potassium while low in sodium. These spears are a
good source of vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and B6, copper, niacin
and phosphorus – and just one cup gives you more than 4
grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber.
• Strawberries: This popular berry is an excellent source of
vitamin C, and when total antioxidant capacity is measured,
strawberries rank high. Antioxidants found in this berry can