This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Montclair chapter.
As kids, the thought of eating fruits or vegetables would make us cringe. Fruits and veggies aren’t bad! Fruits and vegetables are very good for you and they provide excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. To get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of seven fruits and vegetables that you should try.
- Kale: This green leafy vegetable is very similar to spinach, but the benefits in a few leaves of kale are unbelievable! Kale can help fight cancer, it is an excellent source of Vitamin K, and it has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids! How should you kale-it-up? Try sautéing your kale and adding a little bit of garlic for an amazing taste!
- Avocado: Let’s be real, avocados are taking over the world. Avocados are considered to be the “good fat” because it is the monounsaturated fat that is good for us! Avocados can also lower cholesterol and it is an excellent source of Vitamin E. Fun fact: Avocados have more potassium than bananas!
- Brussels Sprouts: We’re sure this one is bringing back great childhood memories. NOT! Believe it or not, your parents/caregivers were not crazy for feeding you brussels sprouts at dinner. Brussels sprouts can reduce blood pressure, they are a great source of Vitamins A and C, and they contain birth-defect fighting folate! Next time you come across your old friends, brussels sprouts, try giving them a second chance!
- Kiwi: Any fruit that has edible seeds in it are usually high in fiber and kiwis are one of them. Along with being a great source of fiber, kiwis are rich in Vitamins C and E and contain folate. With spring right around the corner, a kiwi will be a nice refreshing fruit to eat!
- Broccoli: Here’s something that we think everyone likes, broccoli! Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin A and it is high in fiber. You can eat broccoli at any point in the day! For example, in your breakfast omelet, during your lunch break, and of course at dinner with some delicious grilled chicken. Fun fact: You can get the same amount of Vitamin C from one cup of broccoli that you can get in one orange!
- Pear: This sweet fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals! Pears are a great source of fiber and it can decrease your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The best part about eating pears is that there is no preparation involved; You can just grab it and go!
- Seaweed: Seaweed is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Along with seaweed containing Vitamin A, seaweed contains Vitamin B-12, which is a vitamin that we all need more of in our diet. Our favorite way to eat seaweed? Try a seaweed salad! Fun fact: Seaweed may also help with PMS, so it is definitely worth the try!