Dr. Kantor was recently asked to share his top NEW Spring Superfoods to help rest your diet/mind/body etc. with Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.
Pomegranate – Can be found year round, originally grown exclusively in the Mediterranean, but can be found in your local produce section or farmers market. Both the fruit and the seeds are edible. Pomegranates are very low glycemic, which means they do not have a negative impact on blood sugars. Compounds in pomegranates have a positive effect on blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attack and high blood pressure. Pure pomegranate juice can be added to smoothies, the seeds can be added to salad for crunch and extra nutrition, and they can be eaten whole.
Arugula – Arugula is in season from spring to early summer months, originally grown in the Mediterranean but can also be grown in a backyard garden or at your local market during the warmer spring and summer months. Arugula contains about 8 times the amount of calcium, 5 times the amount of vitamin A, C, and K and 4 times the amount of iron compared to traditional iceberg lettuce. Build a salad with arugula as the leafy green and you will increase your nutrient consumption drastically. Arugula also has several detoxifying properties, while it is still low in calories.
Rhubarb – Rhubarb is available throughout most of the year, and grows best in the northern United States (Washington, Oregon, Michigan) and Canada as well as your local market. Its actual season is early spring. Chinese medicine has used the roots of the plant as a natural laxative. For food consumption, the red stalks (look similar to celery) are used as a natural sweetener and combined with other fruits typically put into pies. Rhubarb is classified as a fruit. It is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins including, calcium and lutein, which has numerous healthy benefits relating to the skin and eyes.
Sprouts – Are available throughout the year, they grow best in cool climates (northern United States) and can be found year round at your local market. They go great in colorful spring salads for extra crunch and nutrition. They are classified in the cruciferous vegetable family, which naturally detoxify the hormones and harmful estrogen mimickers that we are exposed to daily in our water supply, cosmetics, and even the air we breathe. They help keep the body in an alkaline state, reducing risk for certain cancers. Sprouts are a great source of fiber, and rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E. They will increase energy along with helping weight loss efforts.
Plums – These can be found in season late spring through early summer and plum trees typically grow best in the Midwest climates, and of course can be found in your local market. Research shows that plums increase the body’s ability to absorb iron, related to its high content of vitamin C. Plums are a rich source of antioxidants resulting in better immune function if consumed regularly. Plums can be eaten whole, or sliced on pizza with goat cheese, or even pitted and baked as a warm.
This is a preview to an article which will be featured in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
Dr. Kantor’s greatly anticipated new children’s book, The Green Box League of Nutritious Justice, is now available. Be sure to order this highly reviewed book, filled with healthy living tips for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.