According to THE BEET, here are some of the 7 best spring superfoods to consume.
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are about 50 calories per cup and pack a ton of nutrients [that are] hard to find all in one food,” says Trista K. Best, MPH, RD, LDN at Balance One Supplements.“ From a nutritional standpoint, strawberries are unique in that they offer two grams of both soluble and insoluble fiber, ideal for gut health and weight loss,” she continues, referencing this study on strawberry supplementation on antioxidant biomarkers in obese adults with high cholesterol and adding that there is a growing understanding about the connection between the gut’s microbiome and weight loss with each passing year.
2. Cabbage
Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD, who runs her private practice Within Nutrition is a big fan of this nutrient-dense, cruciferous veggie. “Cabbage is great to eat raw because it maintains a lot of its Vitamin C that way. When cabbage is cooked, it damages the Vitamin C,” she explains. “Cabbage is high in fiber, which allows for greater satiety between meals, and therefore weight loss,” she continues, citing this study. To reap its benefits, eat it raw in either sauerkraut or a salad, says Ivanir.
3. Asparagus
“Asparagus is low in calories but high in many nutrients and water content. Just one cup of asparagus provides 40 calories,” says Allison Gregg, RDN, LD/N, Nutritional Consultant at Mom Loves Best. “Asparagus also has a high fiber content at nearly 4 grams of fiber per one cup. This makes it a great component of any meal as it will help with feeling satisfied after eating.”
“Asparagus is high in prebiotics which acts as fertilizer for the good bacteria in our gut. Supporting anti-inflammatory bacteria optimizes our microbiome, and therefore a healthy metabolism and weight loss,” adds Ivanir. In addition to its weight loss properties, research shows that asparagus may also reduce high blood pressure.
4. Kale
This dark leafy green is one worth befriending in the spring — and any time of year for that matter. (Especially when it comes in the form of this tantalizing kale salad with roasted cauliflower and spiced rice).
“Kale contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that make it essentially a fountain of youth and weight loss,” says Best, citing this study on kale’s nutritional benefits. “Kale is very low in calories per pound making it an ideal base to any salad or smoothie as it will add bulk without excess calories. This will help in weight loss efforts as the gut’s stretch receptors are activated giving a sense of satiety without extra calories,” she adds.
5. Grapefruit
Ah, the simple breakfast of half a grapefruit with a sprinkle of sugar and the now-elusive bowl of Grape Nuts. So satisfying and soul-soothing. Turns out, your body is as happy as your spirit every time you feed it grapefruit, too.
“You can’t go wrong with fruit, especially a nutrient-rich citrus fruit like grapefruit. Consumption of grapefruit is associated with higher intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and improved diet quality,” says Jorg Wijnen, RD, and Author. Website: pointing to this research. “Its low-energy and high-nutrient density make it an ideal food for weight loss.”
For more on grapefruit, check out how this nutritional star may protect your immune system and lower the risk of disease.
6. Broccoli or Broccoli Sprouts
“Broccoli contains sulforaphane which is an antioxidant that helps fight cancer and improve the inflammatory landscape of your body,” comments Ivanir. “Even better are broccoli sprouts which have about 10 times as much sulforaphane compared to broccoli alone. Sulforaphane allows the body to be more successful with weight loss because it is in an anti-inflammatory state,” she elaborates.
7. Arugula
“Arugula is a leafy green full of vitamins and fiber. Arugula acts as a more nutritious choice to the standard iceberg lettuce. Just one cup of arugula provides only five calories,” shares Gregg. “This makes it the perfect food for a large serving size for a small number of calories.”
Gregg’s go-to salad rec? Use arugula as a base with tomato, cucumber, and avocado mixed in, she says. Try it with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds for some crunch and maple-Dijon vinaigrette. Or, go the pizza route suggests Gregg and use arugula as a topping with mushrooms and tomatoes.
Read More: The Best 7 Spring Superfoods for Health, Immunity and Weight Loss
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