Healthy Choices: What's in Season? Citrus, Beets & Broccoli

Paradez Farms Oranges at Sunrise Mall
Farmers Market by BeMoneySmartUSA

I eat citrus fruits and broccoli frequently, and eat beets every once in a while, but I never realized how beneficial these few foods were to my health until recently.  If these foods aren’t on your menu at home already, after reading this article you’ll be inspired to expand your repertoire!

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make cold, refreshing citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, your new favorite snack.  Citrus fruits not only contain vitamin C, but they also contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that are proven to decrease chances of heart diseases and some types of cancer.  In addition, eating citrus fruits once a day can reduce the risk of stroke by almost 20%.  While oranges are widely renowned for their vitamin C content, grapefruit is ranked among the highest for antioxidants.  Grapefruit also seems to help symptoms of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatiod arthritis and lupus.

Another food that is great for your health is beets.  Beets are high in iron, which  refreshes the body’s red blood cells and gives oxygen to the body, and  have folic acid, which decreases the risk of heart disease by breaking down a substance called homocysteine.  Beets also contain the antioxidant betanin which, according to a study that appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, can lower unhealthy cholesterol.  Moreover, beets contain betacyanin, a cancer fighting agent that gives beets their vibrant purple color while strengthening protein levels and detoxifying potential cancer causing substances.  Don’t limit yourself to eating just the purple roots of beets though.  The leafy green tops of beets are also edible.  They are packed full of fiber, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Finally, broccoli, one of my favorite green vegetables, is also a great food for your health.  High in Vitamin C, broccoli helps iron absorption and prohibits the development of cataracts.  Broccoli is also beneficial  for reducing the symptoms of a cold.  Broccoli contains potassium, which fights high blood pressure, and fiber, which lowers blood cholesterol levels.  In addition, broccoli is abundant with kaempferol, which lessens the impact of allergy-related substances on your body -- which we definitely need this time of year!  Finally, broccoli helps form strong bones because of its richness in calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and other nutrients.

I know citrus fruits, beets and broccoli are on my shopping list this week!  How about yours?  Hope to see you at the BeMoneySmartUSA Farmer’s Market at 6196 Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights,  on Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm or at the Carmichael Park Farmers Market on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm where you’ll find citrus fruits, beets, broccoli and many other healthy delicious foods!

Written by Annina, 14 - Olympus Junior High