5 Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables that Help You Detox

By Healthy Palate

I love this time of year. When the season starts to change from winter to spring I get excited.  Spring is a time of rebirth. Spring cleaning begins in all forms from our homes, to our closets, our refrigerator, and our gardens.  We get to spend more time outdoors. But, what excites me most of all is the change in the foods we get to eat.   We can start transitioning from those heavy winter foods that keep us warm to the lighter spring foods that keep us cool.

When we begin to consume the luscious spring bounty of fruits, vegetables, and legumes our bodies begin to rid themselves of toxins, cleanse our organs, and start to fend off the damaging effects of food additives.

Along with our spring cleaning I give you what are in my opinion five of spring’s best cleaning fruits and veggies along with some ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Avocados – This beautiful pear shaped fruit is packed with fiber and vitamins.  They aid in detoxification by helping the liver purify any synthetic chemicals accumulated in our bodies.  Its creamy texture makes the avocado a wonderful base for dips, as a condiment on your favorite sandwich, add them into your morning breakfast scramble or slice ‘em or dice ‘em on your salad.

Peas – Spring Peas are beautiful little gems. These pearls of green are high in protein and fiber.  Peas promote good colon health and assist in strengthen blood vessels. I love them raw just to pop in my mouth as an afternoon snack. Add them in to your favorite grain or pasta (please don’t overcook them add them right at the end just till they warm through and they are bright green in color.)  Toss them into a salad. Or try them in some chicken soup. The possibilities are
endless. What will you come up with?

Cherries – These pretty ruby colored mini globes are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Cherries aid in digestion, help to reduce inflammation, and rid the body of free radicals.  A perfect fruit to cleanse the body, tart and sweet they are great any time of day. Even for that mid-night snack.

Asparagus – Asparagus lends itself to spring as a favorite vegetable. Just like its cousin the spring Lily is a delicate flower, so too is Asparagus delicate in flavor. Folate and zinc are the two main minerals.  Among its healing properties it is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.  Asparagus is one of the best natural artery-cleansing foods. Try it in on a salad, as a side dish for your favorite fish, chicken or beef, add it to soups or make it into soup, dip it, and let your imagination run wild.

Fennel – Don’t be scared it’s really not as complicated as it looks.  An aromatic beauty!  Fennel is a natural diuretic and assists the body in the removal of toxins. It contains heart-friendly potassium and may help reduce blood pressure.  With a
wonderful licorice flavor you can eat it chopped up raw, on a salad, roasted or
even sautéed and a great snack.

No matter how you slice it or dice it, raw or cooked it is time to begin enjoying the wonderful flavors or spring.

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