Spring Vegetables

With spring here, we welcome warmth, lightness, and increased energy (prana) with the rebirth of vegetation, flowers, and vegetables.

Many vibrantly colored vegetables appear in spring, but the most notable are green. These contain chlorophyll, which absorbs most light colors except for green, making plants appear greener. This occurs through photosynthesis, which allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food (sugars) and release oxygen.

Vegetables are low in calories and fat while providing significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, beta-carotene, the vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants. These health-promoting phytonutrients help protect the human body from oxidative stress and diseases while enhancing immunity.

Some of my favorites of Spring are:

Fava beans (broad beans) are low in fat and contain no cholesterol while high in protein and fiber. They provide calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, as well as vitamins C, B6, A, and K. They enhance immunity, help reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol levels, and boost L-dopa, which can assist with neurological disorders.

Asparagus is rich in folic acid and vitamin K, which help our bodies absorb calcium and protect against osteoporosis. Packed with fiber yet low in fat and calories, asparagus may also support weight loss. Additionally, asparagus is a natural diuretic, helping reduce fluid retention.

Peas

The humble pea is a powerhouse of nutrition, with a high fiber content and lower glycemic index. It contains almost every vitamin and mineral essential for good health, fiber, and protein.

Artichokes are low in fat and high in fiber, containing vitamins C and K, calcium, iron, and potassium. They are hepato-protective for the liver, cleanse bile, stimulate digestion, nourish plasma and fat tissues, improve alkalinity, decrease inflammation, and remove heat.