The beautiful season of spring has arrived. Flowers have started blooming, it’s getting warmer and the sun stays up longer. Most of us are ready for some warm weather and sunshine. The transitional phase that braces us for summers makes our body go through many changes that affect us internally and externally.
Some foods, more than others, are particularly suitable for invigorating the skin after the dull winter. Foods that are abundant in spring are refreshing, regenerating and detoxifying.
A spring-special diet can spring up your health and help you wade through the season while flaunting a healthy and glowing skin. Spring brings an array of colourful and tasty foods that are not only pleasing to the palate but also provide immense benefits to the skin.
The season’s fresh produce, such as asparagus, strawberries and leafy greens, are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote healthy, glowing skin.
Here are the best foods for your body before summer hits:
Strawberries
Strawberries are the quintessential spring fruit, bursting with juicy sweetness and bright colour and one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. As one of the first fruits to ripen after winter, there are more than 10 species of Fragaria that differ in flavour, size and texture, yet they all have the same characteristic heart shape and red-seeded flesh.
Bright and juicy strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and fibre. They are healthy, delicious and bite-sized, and make a great snack. These berries can also be used to make salads, sandwiches, smoothies, preserves, fruit skewers, or try them sliced and served with yogurt or ice cream.
Strawberries are low in calories yet sweet, so they work well as a healthy alternative to treats and puddings.
Strawberries are a rich source of polyphenols and fibre, both of which have prebiotic properties, which means they provide a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut.
Throw strawberries on top of oatmeal or yogurt, or into a smoothie, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet and healthy dessert.
Spring onions
Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, contain phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, folate, calcium, vitamins A, K and C, and Vitamin B2, and a fair amount of fibre. These are also very low in carbs, fats and calories. They are rich in antioxidants, quercetin and sulphur-rich compounds. Other nutrients in green onions are chromium, copper and thymine.
Scallions are very young onions that get plucked before their bulb swells out. Scallion is a variety of young onions with whitish roots and hollow green stems.
Spring onion, also known as salad onions or green onions, belongs to the ‘Allium’ family and is closely related to garlic, shallots and onions. Green onions have also attracted various kitchens across the globe, especially the continental and Chinese. These spring onions make stir-fry and salads look unique and delicious. You can find it in sauces, dips, salsa, sizzlers, etc.
Vitamin C in spring onions helps in the suppleness of the skin. It gives the skin the required smoothness and aids in the prevention of wrinkles.
Being very low in fats and calories, spring onion or green onion is considered a weight-loss vegetable. Also, the fibre in them gives you the feeling of fullness, due to which you do not eat much, and it promotes weight loss.
Sulphur strengthens the skin and hair by building collagen and boosting keratin, which gives the manes its strength and elasticity. Moreover, the anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of sulphur can help in preventing scalp-related infections and ward off anything that can be detrimental to hair health.
Green onions can be used in salads to add a fresh, crunchy texture, Green chutneys for an extra zing, dishes like fried rice, noodles, and manchurian, sautéed with tomatoes, garlic and ginger to form the base for various curries, Bhajis and Pakoras and added to South Indian soups like rasam for added flavours.
Blueberries
Talk about the latest trends in skincare and blueberries should be topping the charts.
Blueberries are often regarded as one of the most beneficial fruits due to their rich nutritional profile and health benefits.
Berries are high in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and protect skin cells.
Blueberries are an exfoliating agent, and vitamins E and C help fade blemishes, hyperpigmentation, sun spots and dark spots. They also even out the complexion and brighten the skin, removing dullness.
They contain a plethora of essential minerals and vitamins, giving many benefits for your skin, including reducing signs of ageing, hydrating skin and evening skin tone.
Blueberries are high in anthocyanin, which may support collagen synthesis.
Vitamins C and E present in blueberries help to remove dead skin cells, and help to regenerate new cells, keeping your skin smooth and bright all day, every day.
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a chemical required for collagen synthesis in your skin. It is a great ingredient to remove toxins from your skin, maintain its pH, and tightening pores giving you the nourishment and hydration you need.
Spring greens
Simple greens can pack a big health punch.
Every season yields its array of delicious vegetables, and springtime is no exception. They’re in season during the spring and summer and are at their peak from April to June.
Spring is the season when nutrient-rich leafy greens are at their best, and you can put a spring in your step by making sure you get some in your diet every day.
Spring greens like spinach, asparagus, and arugula can help your skin glow and promote overall health.
From anti-ageing to replenishment, springtime super foods are an ideal way to kick-start the season with snacks and meals that help achieve beautiful skin.
Leafy greens contain nutrients like Vitamin K, folate, lutein, beta carotene, etc. Spring greens have the most nutrients when they’re eaten fresh. Spring greens can be steamed or blanched in boiling water. They don’t need to be chopped or shredded and can be cooked whole. Spring greens tend to have a sweet, fresh flavour and a silky texture.
Banner image by Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fruits-in-bowls-and-cocktails-on-table-4736581/
