Summer Vegetable Roundup
June 16, 2023
Summer is right around the corner, and it's time to get excited about fresh produce that's in season! One of our favorite parts about this time of year is the bounty of vegetables that are available to cook with. Whether you're looking to make a healthy salad, grill up some veggies on the BBQ, or create a fun new dish, these are some of the versatile and delicious options. Read on to learn about which vegetables are our favorites to cook with this time of year, and why.
Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in several antioxidants that may provide various health benefits. Most of which are found in the skin, so we recommend not peeling them!
It has high volumes of water and fiber, which can promote healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation and symptoms of various gut disorders.
Zucchini’s fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels, which could potentially reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
The fiber, potassium, and carotenoids in zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risks of heart disease.
Zucchini is rich in manganese, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A and C — nutrients which contribute to healthy vision and may lower your risk of age-related eye conditions.
Eating zucchini may help promote weight loss, as it is rich in water and fiber yet low in calories, helping reduce hunger and keep you feeling full.
Zucchini may benefit bone, thyroid, and prostate health. It may also have anticancer properties, but more research is needed.
Source: Healthline
Beets
Beets have a high concentration of nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure, thus reducing risk of heart attacks, heart failure, & strokes.
Eating beets may help to enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen use and time to exhaustion. To maximize their effects, eat beets 2–3 hours prior to exercise.
Beets may have a number of anti-inflammatory effects.
Beets are rich in fiber, which is helpful for digestive health, as well as reducing the risk of a number of chronic health conditions.
According to light research, beets contain nitrates, which may help increase blood flow to the brain, improve cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
Pigments in beets may help reduce the growth of cancer cells, according to animal testing.
Beets have a high water and low calorie content, which are both beneficial properties for weight loss.
Beets are delicious and versatile vegetables that are easy to incorporate into to your diet. Choose beets that are heavy for their size with green tops still attached!
Source: Healthline
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are mainly just water and carbs, so they are pretty hydrating. They are also a good source of fiber.
They’re high in vitamin C, vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
Bell peppers contain many healthy antioxidants, which are associated with many health benefits.
Eating bell peppers can improve eye health and reduced risk of anemia.
Source: Healthline
Fennel
Fennel and fennel seeds provide important nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
All parts of the fennel plant are rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, limonene, and quercetin, which are all beneficial to your health.
Fennel seeds may reduce appetite.
Fennel and its seeds contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are all healthy nutrients for your heart.
Fennel may have anticancer properties, but it’s uncertain because there’s not enough evidence yet.
Fennel may increase milk secretion and weight gain in breastfeeding infants.
Fennel has antibacterial properties and may improve mental health, relieve menopausal symptoms, and reduce inflammation. Still, it’s unlikely that fennel or its seeds would offer the same effects when eaten in small amounts.
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