Cool as Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a wonderful vegetable. They consist of 97 percent of water, are very low in calories, have a mild taste and, as raw vegetables, go well with many dishes and almost every salad. In terms of vitamins and minerals, cucumbers are rich in carotene, vitamins E, K, B1, B2 and B6 and the minerals, calcium (15mg per 100g), phosphorus (25mg per 100g) and potassium (140mg per 100g). They can have a detoxifying effect on our bodies, by helping to reduce uric acid and acting as a diuretic. Fresh cucumbers are best stored in the refrigerator, separate from other vegetables (it’s best not to store them close to apples and melons).

Top tip: Clean the cucumber well and eat with the skin on! The skin is rich in silicic acid and can help strengthen our skin, hair and nails. Also aim, aim to shop locally, this allows you to not only get the freshest product possible but is also better for the environement.

Awesome Asparagus

Did you know?
Asparagus is known as a rejuvenating food, as it is rich in nutrients, which our body absorbs especially well in the spring and early summer months. In addition, this vegetable has plenty of vitamin C for strengthening the immune system and memory, as well as vitamin E which ensures beautiful skin, strong hair and firm connective tissue. These vitamins can also benefit your vision, heart and libido. Asparagus is also a folic acid treasure chest: this precious organic substance refreshes and invigorates, as it contributes to the rejuvenation of cells, boosts blood formation and hormone production. On top of all of this, asparagus also provides the trace element zinc for strengthening connective tissue and blood vessels.

This spring vegetable is delicious roasted or boiled, in salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, or soups.

Dandelion: A Spring Cure

In the spring time, gardens everywhere start to fill dandelions, considered by many to be a pesky weed. What you may not know is that dandelion is actually a “bitter” herb with the amazing ability to help purify blood in the body. According to tradition, dandelion stimulates the body to flush out any undigested foods from the body – like a spring clean after the long winter! Rich in minerals, vitamins and enzymes, it has an invigorating effect on all body functions. Dandelion is a known diuretic, meaning that it helps increase the amount of water that is filtered through the kidneys, helping to filter out waste. It is also believed that the “bitter” qualities of the herb work to stimulate the liver by increasing bile flow and solubility, cleansing the liver of fatty acid deposits. Drinking dandelion tea over the course of three to four weeks is known to rejuvenate the connective tissue, improve liver function, and help with digestion.

For more information about this herb check out the links below:

Happy National Banana Day!

In honor of this day let us talk about this amazing fruit!

This popular food is one of the most cultivated and consumed crops in the world. In addition to being an extremely versatile ingredient, the nutritional and health benefits are endless! Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins C and B6, as well as flavonoids and phenolics. Eating bananas can help improve heart health, digestive health, lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes, and boost your mood.

Buy a large bunch next time you go to the grocery store and once ripe, cut them up and place them in the freezer. You can then pull them out as needed, for your morning oatmeal, a smoothie, or even some banana “nice” cream.

Source: https://www.perishablenews.com/…/national-banana-day-invit…/

Let’s Talk Eggs

Eggs are often referred to as “nature’s multivitamin.” So you may be wondering, what is in an egg?

Well the answer is a lot!
On average, chicken eggs have about nine grams of protein, eight grams of fat, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and almost all minerals and vitamins (except for vitamin C). They are also one of the few foods that contains all 9 essential amino acids. No wonder then that in many health-conscious kitchens, eggs are a staple. We asked Silvia Bürkle, the head nutritionist at Metabolic Balance her thoughts and she said, “The dietary protein in eggs is of especially high quality because we know that egg protein can be converted into the protein we need in our bodies exceptionally well. That protein is important for muscle growth, cell renewal and the production of enzymes and hormones.”
There endless ways in which you can incorporate eggs into your diet, whether scrambled, sunny side up, poached, or boiled!

Introducing the Mighty Chard

Chard is great! From a biological point of view it is related to the beet family, but one main difference is that unlike red beets we don’t eat the roots. Instead we only eat the leaves and stems. Chard has a similar taste as spinach but with some spicier and nuttier undertones. There are many different varieties, but they only differ slightly in taste. In regards to its nutritional value, chard is a superstar. It is rich in protein as well as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine and vitamins B1, B2 and C. It is also recognized as a medicinal plant because of its healing effect on anxiety and constipation.

Consider trying this great vegetable as a side dish, salad, or adding it to a stir fry!

13 Essential Vitamins & their Importance

We know the letters of the 13 essential vitamins, but do you know what they are important for? Following we give you a simple list.
Please remember, though, that vitamins have multiple uses throughout the body. This lists only the most well-known uses …