Superfoods for Spring

Spring is almost here, and with a change of season comes a change in produce. Here are twelve superfoods to look out for this spring!

1. Sea buckthorn
2. Arugula
3. Kelp
4. Plums
5. Hemp
6. Rhubarb
7. Microgreens
8. Kombucha
9. Sprouts
10. Aloe
11. Chlorophyll
12. Pomegranate

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Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

These nutrient-packed foods are not only in season, they’re sure to become staples in your countdown-to-summer meal plan.

Sea Buckthorn

“This super food has been linked to youthful skin,” says Brooke Alpert, RD, founder of B-Nutrititous in NYC. “It contains the highest natural source of omega-7 fatty acids, as well as vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and over 190 phytonutrients.” The best part: it’s a staple at most juice joints but is also laced into anything from teas and jellies to purees and sauces as well as skincare products.

Arugula

“Arugula is in season from spring to early summer months and contains about eight times the amount of calcium, five times the amount of vitamin A, C, and K and four times the amount of iron compared to traditional iceberg lettuce,” says Kieth Kantor, RD, author of the Green League of Nutritious Justice.”

Kelp

This seaweed or algae is “rich in vitamins, calcium, plus chlorophyll and has many health benefits relating to an increased metabolism and energy levels,” says Alpert. Find kelp at any health food store and simply “add some to soups or sitrfrys.”

Plums

“Plums start to become in season by late spring and of course can be found in your local market,” says Kantor. “Research shows that they increase the body’s ability to absorb iron, related to its high content of vitamin C, plus as a rich source of antioxidants, they improve immune function if consumed regularly. Over just biting into them? Kantor suggests adding them sliced on pizza with goat cheese, or even pitted and baked as a warm dessert.

Microgreens

Although once only used to garnish fancy dishes at top notch restaurants, these tiny vegetable greens, which are “high in vital nutrients including vitamins K, C, E, lutein and beta-carotene, and are important for skin and eye health” can now be in the meal spotlight, says Alpert. “Use instead of lettuce for your salads for an extra health boost to your meal.”

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