A FEAST OF SPRING FRUIT AND VEG TO TRY NOW

If you’ve been packing in the carbs and piling on weight over winter, banish the guilt! Spring is the time to redeem yourself – and reclaim your waistline – with a diet of delicious, fresh and healthy fruit and veg.

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Spring vegetables

Beetroot
The humble beet is one of those veggies most people either love or hate. Beetroot contains a substance called geosmin – which is where that fresh soil scent comes from after spring rains – and some people don’t like the earthy taste of it. If you’re one of them, do yourself a favour and give beets another chance.

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They are rich in antioxidants called betalains, which are what give them their deep red colour. Betalains are being studied for their potential as an anti-cancer weapon. Beets are also packed with folate – a vitamin that’s essential for a healthy heart and optimal growth and development – as well as manganese for bone formation and brain function.

On top of that they’re rich in copper, which plays an important role in the production of energy.

Important note: If you suffer from kidney stones or gallstones, avoid beetroot as its oxalate content could worsen the condition.



Cauliflower
Cauliflower is rich in folate as well vitamins C and K, which play vital roles in the health of body tissues, immune function, teeth and bones.

Like its cruciferous cousins – broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and radishes – cauli has great cancer-fighting properties. Especially if you’re on a low-carb, low-calorie diet, it’s a fantastic alternative to ingredients like rice and potatoes as it’s thought to promote weight loss.

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Red cabbage
Say hi to one of the cauliflower’s cousins. Red cabbage is packed with vitamin C (one cup has 56% of your daily vitamin C requirement) and is thought to help reduce high cholesterol and play a role in preventing weight gain.

It’s also full of anthocyanins, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties. They also help fight cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Spinach
It’s one of the most nutritious plants on our planet! Packed with antioxidants, which help reduce our risk of disease in general, it’s also rich in beta carotene and lutein which are thought to reduce the risk of cancer.

Also rich in vitamins A and K, it’s virtually free of calories. And it’s believed to help lower blood pressure.

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Spring fruit

Avocados
They brim with healthy fats that are great for skin health and boosting immunity. The beneficial fats in avos also keep us feeling fuller for longer, and help keep blood sugar levels stable.

They are good for our eyes and bone health. They help fight cancer. They are also helpful in warding off depression.

Bananas
Bananas (which are technically berries) are brimming with potassium, which plays a big role in heart health. It’s thought to protect against leukaemia, and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones as we age.

Bananas are also rich in antioxidants, the cancer-fighting properties of which are well documented. They contain fibre for gut health and diabetes management, as well as tryptophan, an amino acid thought to help boost memory, mood and learning ability.



Cape gooseberries
These little gems are incredibly easy to grow (they like lots of sun and good drainage), but they’re also sometimes available in markets. They are bursting at the seams with vitamin C to boost immunity and for skin health, and they are rich in fibre which helps digestion.

Full of antioxidants too, they help fight colds and flu. Added bonus – they pack a vitamin A punch for healthy eyes and good vision.

Important note: Unripe Cape gooseberries contain a toxin that can cause cramps and diarrhoea.

Guavas
Guava are low in calories and loaded with antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C and potassium. The list of their health benefits is long. Aside from their anti-cancer and immune-boosing benefits, studies have shown impressive results in improving blood sugar control. They play a role in lowering bad cholesterol, protecting your heart from damage and regulating blood pressure.

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