By Nicola Cucuiet and Sylvia Klinger
Enjoy these delicious May produce!
Zucchini
Zucchini is a low calorie vegetable, rich in flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as carotene, lutein and zea-xanthin. They are a very good source of potassium, vitamin A and the anti-oxidant vitamin-C. Zucchini is a very versatile and delicious vegetable. Try including them in any meal occasion and it will eventually become a popular vegetable in the kitchen.
Asparagus
Asparagus are also very low in calories, 100 g fresh asparagus provide only 20 calories. Asparagus are the good source of anti-oxidants, carotene, folate. Asparagus are also rich in B-complex vitamins that have a well known effect on the heart health and the prevention of other diseases.
Spring peas
Peas are are filled with vitamins and minerals. Peas are low in calories, but high in dietary fiber and protein. Peas are also an excellent source of folic acid, ascorbic acid and vitamin K. In addition peas contain essential B-complex vitamins and many minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family. This vegetable is very low in calories, but rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, this power vegetable houses a number of phyto-nutrients. Studies have shown that phyto-nutrients help protect from some types of cancer like breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Okra
Okra is a highly nutritious green edible pod vegetable. The pods are very low in calories and contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. They are a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They provide just 30 calories per 100 g, so fill up on okra this month. The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A and folate, and are an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin-C. This vegetable is also rich in B-complex vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
Live life and love it. Eat well.
