It has been a busy August but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been filled with all sorts of fruits, vegetables and healthy whole grains.
This morning I headed out to the farmer’s market to get all of the ingredients to kick start the week. While I picked up some of my usual items to make Green Juice (Kale, Celery, Apples, Cucumbers, Lemons, Ginger) as well as some heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn and summer squash.
Some new ingredients that I picked up don’t need much to taste great. Each can be tossed in a pan with a little olive oil and topped with sea salt. I enjoy trying new vegetables and exploring what is offered seasonally. Here are 3 vegetables with substantial health benefits.
Okra – Containing both vitamins A and C, Okra is also a good source of iron and calcium. It also contains starch, fat, ash, thiamine and riboflavin. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract, it is also excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). Okra is also said to be good for asthma, preventing diabetes, constipation and so much more. 
Shishito Peppers - These peppers are sweet, mild, slender Japanese chiles about 2-4 inches long and about one-half inch wide. The bumpy skin matures from light lime green to dark, wrinkled red. The chiles are harvested before they ripen to red and should be consumed while still green. Shishito Peppers are completely edible, including the seeds.
Long Beans - Green Beans also known as string beans are one of the only few varieties of beans that are eaten fresh. Chinese long beans measure 12-14 inches in length and are prepared the same as regular green beans. Green Beans offer cardiovascular protection can help lower high blood pressure, help prevent weakening of the bone, help promote a healthy colon and much more.
Be sure to check out past Farmer’s Market finds.
Past Entries:
No comments:
Post a Comment