Key Nutrients Found In Fresh Produce
By Stephen R. Farris
Good nutrition is one of the keys to creating a more vibrant, healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to obtain some of the minerals and nutrients you need for stronger muscles and healthier joints is by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.
Most of your larger box stores have grocery sections in them. And with grocery sections, you can usually find a good selection of fresh produce from apples, oranges, grapefruits, and green leafy veggies, just to name a few.
Picking produce can be a little tricky, but if you've done your homework on how to select the best ones then you're on the right track. The next step is preparation and cooking your fresh picks in order to gain all the nutrients in them.
Choosing Produce
Pick the freshest fruits and vegetables possible. Make sure there are no soft spots or blemishes and that they are firm and colorful. If you can't find what you're looking for in the fresh produce section, then check out the freezer. Sometimes the fruit or vegetable you're looking for may not be in season,therefore unavailable at the store. However, they may have it in the frozen food section. Besides the grocery store, there's also the farmers markets, which usually operate from early spring to early summer and sometimes in the first part of the Fall season.
No Need to Peel Everything
Back in the kitchen with your assortment of fresh goodies, make sure you wash them (not soak) to remove any dirt or residue. Most fruits and vegetables are ready to eat or cook as they are without peeling off the skins. Even the skins are packed with nutrients and most all are edible.
Keeping the Nutrients in While Cooking
This too can be tricky. Surely you've heard boiling vegetables makes them lose their nutritional value. The key, however, is using less water. There are other options to keep nutrients in your vegetables as well. Steaming is a great way to cook them, as they don't come into contact with the water. The water boils and produces steam that cooks them instead, assuring that most all of the nutrients are intact. Microwaving has the same affect.
You may also add seasonings that will boost the flavor of your fruits and vegetables, although I wouldn't exactly recommend dashing your pineapple with garlic powder or salt.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cypress, Tex.