20 Springtime Veggies that Can Improve Your Health

Spring is traditionally a time of growth as new leaves begin to emerge on barren winter trees and flowers gracefully force themselves into the world after spending far too long underground. It is also a season that provides us with a number of health enhancing vegetables that are as pleasing to our taste buds as they are to our body.Here are 20 of them to consider as you look for some yummy options to fill the green and blue sections on your SlimPlate portion controlled plates this March, April, and May (Note: some of these springtime vegetables are location dependent and only freshly available in certain regions this time of year):
 
 
Artichoke. This green vegetable promotes health by providing nutrients such as vitamin K for stronger bones and better brain function, vitamin C for a tougher immune system, potassium for help controlling blood pressure, and various anti-oxidants that protect your body against free radicals.
Asparagus. Is also high in vitamin K, but it also contains a number of anti-inflammatory nutrients such as protodioscin and diosgenin. It offers additional benefits such as digestive support, blood sugar regulation, and reduced risk of various cancers.
Avocado. Okay, avocados are actually fruit, but since they seem more like a vegetable, we’re including them in this list. Health advantages of eating this vegetable-like fruit include reduced risk of heart attack and stroke thanks to the potassium they contain, and better digestive health via their high fiber content.
Beets. This bright red vegetable has been found to lower blood pressure, boost stamina, fight inflammation, detoxify your body, and help prevent cancer. Need we say more?
Broccoli. Add broccoli to your springtime diet and you will enjoy benefits such as osteoarthritis prevention, protection of your blood vessels, reduced cancer risk, and greater skin health.
Butter Lettuce. This particular type of lettuce is high in vitamin A, which means that it is good for your skin, teeth, and bones. It also has phosphorus which helps with regulating your heartbeat, supporting your kidneys, and allowing your muscles to contract.
Celeriac. Is a root celery that supplies various healthy nutrients to your body, such as vitamins K and C for your bones and immune system, as well as offering additional protection against colon cancer and various types of leukemia.
Chayote Squash. This pear-shaped vegetable is high in fiber, which makes it good for your digestive system, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production. Chayote squash also have potassium, a nutrient that helps control electrolyte levels, and various anti-oxidants that offer disease protection.
Collard Greens. Health benefits of collard greens include helping rid your body of toxic substances, providing anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories, and also assisting your cardiovascular system with maximum function.
Fennel. Add  to your springtime plate and you will enjoy greater health via its anethole, a phytonutrient that has been found to help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation. It also has folate, which is good for pregnant women, and potassium, which is good for your heart.
Fiddlehead Ferns. This coiled fern can make you feel better via the omega 3 fatty acids it contains which are beneficial to your brain function, and its niacin which has been found to positively affect cholesterol levels.
Green Beans. Like many other springtime veggies listed, green beans offer a number of anti-oxidants, as well as some omega 3 fatty acids. They also provide anti-inflammatory advantages, in addition to helping protect you from type 2 diabetes.
Mustard Greens. The vitamin K in mustard greens is good for your bones and your brain, while its anti-oxidants provide assistance with detoxifying your body for greater levels of health. They also help reduce cholesterol levels, which is great if this is one of your health concerns.
Radishes. The nutrients in radishes have been found to help your body better digest foods, prevent viral infections, and relieve indigestion. They also are great at clearing your sinuses, thanks largely to their powerful flavor.
Snow Peas. Contain vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, and manganese, which means that they offer health benefits that are anti-inflammatory and protect against various cancers, digestive issues, and even eye diseases.
Spinach. This green leafy vegetable offers a number of health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, decreased risk of prostate cancer, healthier blood vessels, and stronger bones.
Swiss Chard. Swiss chard is good for regulating your blood sugar, protecting your liver, supporting bone health, and reducing the amount of inflammation in your body.
Vidalia Onions. Eating Vidalia onions has been linked to atherosclerosis prevention, lower blood pressure, and lower blood glucose levels. They are also great for treating coughs, colds, and even asthma.
Watercress. Grown in natural spring water, watercress offers benefits such as cancer prevention and treatment, lower blood pressure, stronger bones, and lower glucose levels.
White Asparagus. This white variety of asparagus is a good source of vitamin C, which can enhance your cardiovascular health, and vitamin A, which is helpful for your eyes and immune system.
 
This spring, enjoy these types of veggies and you will also enjoy greater levels of health. Also, feel free to share this list with your friends so they know the benefits of eating these types of seasonal foods.
What are your favorite springtime veggies? How do you prepare them? Feel free to comment below!