The seasonality of fruits and vegetables is an aspect that we do not always take into account when choosing products. Indeed, in supermarkets, vegetables and fruits are neatly laid out on chilled shelves all year round, beautiful and even, as if selected. Thus, we think less about product quality and more about a wide selection and maximum shopping convenience: at any time of the year, on any day of the week and at any time of the day. We regularly eat beautiful vegetables and fruits from the supermarket, succumbing to the illusion of a healthy lifestyle.
While happily filling our carts with fruits and vegetables, we forget that they are only useful during the season, which is different for each product.
On the eve of summer, I decided to tell you what vegetables, fruits and berries you should definitely have in your diet in June in order to get your dose of vitamins and fully enjoy their benefits and taste.
1. Strawberry
June is the most "strawberry" month. A bright, tasty and fragrant berry after a long winter-spring period with poor nutrition is a truly indispensable pantry of vitamins and microelements for our body. Every year, scientists surprise us with new discoveries about strawberries and assure us of its benefits for the whole body. This berry improves heart function and has a great effect on skin condition, but if you are not ready for cosmetic experiments, then you can always make a strawberry smoothie or pudding and enjoy the atmosphere of summer.
2. Cherries
Cherries are not only delicious. You can consider them a natural health and body aid. With regular use, they can be real “medicines” that fight stress, bacteria and other ailments. There is a whole "cherry therapy" to normalize the work of the heart and blood vessels. Cherries are perfect for breakfast too. If you are very late and there is no time for a relaxing breakfast, then a cherry smoothie will save you from hunger, and in the evening you can make berry sauce and dress it with a salad or serve it with meat. Do you want to be a long-lived person? Eat cherries!
3. Mulberries
Mulberries are undervalued in the fruit market, although specialists and medical studies say otherwise – mulberries have incredible health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, as well as a number of substances less common in nature, mulberry aroused the curiosity of specialists. The resveratrol in mulberries is considered to be the most powerful natural antioxidant. Researchers have shown that resveratrol protects against altered blood vessels. Thanks to the antioxidants in the composition, mulberries help fight cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes and bacterial infections.
4. Asparagus
You shouldn't miss it because June is the last month of the asparagus season. With a sweet taste and crunchy texture, asparagus is full of nutrients and is one of the most versatile vegetables. Asparagus is rich in nutrients and has the following characteristics: detoxifies, has anti-aging properties, is considered an aphrodisiac, protects against cancer, relieves pain and inflammation in the body, prevents osteoporosis, reduces the risk of heart disease and birth defects. It is delicious on its own, with sauce, or as part of a variety of dishes such as soups, pasta, risotto, or other fish and seafood dishes.
5. Baby potatoes
Young sweet potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables since early summer. Rich in carbohydrates, protein, calcium, fiber, and last but not least, vitamin C, potatoes reduce inflammation, increase brain activity, and prevent cardiovascular disease.
With baby potatoes you can make excellent original snacks, light salads, as well as healthy full meals (for example, baked potatoes in the oven). You shouldn't ignore delicious baby potatoes in season!
6. Greenery
We know for sure that summer dishes are especially tasty and fragrant thanks to greens. June is the month richest in green vitamins, and I advise you to add them to your culinary masterpieces to the maximum.
This month there will be absolutely everything on the market: spinach, basil, all kinds of lettuce, cilantro, dill, parsley, mint, rosemary, green onions and even nettles. Seize the moment and add as many healthy fresh herbs to your diet as possible.
7. Peas
First of all, peas are a rich source of plant fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B9, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals. Experts say that of all vegetables, they are the best in thiamin (vitamin B1). Peas can successfully replace meat for some time, as they are extremely rich in protein.
The benefits of peas for the body are obvious if there are problems with digestion. This is due to fiber, which is enough in pea pods. For example, pea puree, which does not irritate the gastric mucosa and effectively reduces acidity, will come in handy for those who suffer from peptic ulcer.
8. Beets
Due to the rich set of vitamins, beets are an excellent prophylactic against spring avitaminosis. Fresh beetroot juice is useful to drink as a tonic that improves metabolism.
It is recommended to use beets for the prevention of thrombophlebitis and atherosclerosis, with a breakdown, anemia, and weakness. As a dietary product, it is useful for the treatment of anemia, diabetes, hypertension. Also, it is used as a preventive measure against cancer.
Choose quality seasonal products and enjoy the summer!