I get such joy from fresh produce. During this COVID19 pandemic, a local restaurant set up a daily virtual farmers market with daily produce boxes available and I am hooked! What a fabulous idea. This is a way to support local farms and restaurants with the added benefit of easy access to fresh produce.
When I see produce, I see health. All of the vibrant colors represent the array of vitamins, minerals and benefits to the body that these items provide. Yes, you can take a supplement and get some essential vitamins and minerals but nothing replaces a diet rich in whole foods. Whole foods contain fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants that you will not find a multivitamin. Let’s look at the health benefits of this week’s box of joy.
Kale
One of the most nutrient dense foods
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Calcium
- Copper
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Antioxidants
Decrease cholesterol
Anticancer properties
Fiber
Protein
Summer Squash (Yellow Squash and Zuchinni)
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- C
- Folate
- B vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Manganese
Carrots
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- A
- Biotin
- K
- Potassium
- B6
Antioxidants
Eye Health
Decrease Heart Disease
Anticancer
Tomatoes
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- K
- Folate
- Vitamin A
Lycopene- linked to heart health
Antioxidants to decrease inflammation
Beets
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Folate
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Iron
- Vitamin C
Improves blood flow
Lowers blood pressure
Increased exercise performance
Beet Greens
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Copper
- Magnesium
Antioxidants
Anticancer
Brussel Sprouts
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Iron
- Thiamine
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
Antioxidants
Anticancer
Fiber
Good for blood sugar control
Contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Anti-inflammatory
Cauliflower
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Pantothenic Acid
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Magesium
- Phosphorus
Antioxidants
Anticancer
Prevents heart disease
Decrease Inflammation
Choline- Maintains the health of the nervous system
Broccoli
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
Anti-inflammatory
Anticancer
Good for blood sugar control
Good for digestion
Supports Brain Function
Slows aging
Corn
Vitamins and Minerals
- B vitamins (B5, B9, B6 and B3)
- Potassium
Antioxidants
Sweet Potatoes
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- B vitamins
- Copper
Antioxidants
Antiaging
Anticancer
Heart Disease Prevention
Great for Digestion
Immune System Support
Brain Health
Vision Health
Radish
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- B6
- Potassium
- Folate
Antifungal
It’s amazing that all of these nutrients, antioxidants, cancer preventing, immune fighting and age defying nutrients can be packed in a box! I encourage you to check out your local farmers markets, farms, CSAs and if nothing else your local supermarket and grab a selection of seasonal produce!