Some delicious fruits and vegetables have come into season for May. Some of our favorites include apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, limes, peaches, plums, raspberries, rhubarb, artichoke, asparagus, corn, fennel, green beans, fava beans, snow peas and Vidalia onions.
Blueberries
Ranking first in antioxidant levels, blueberries are most likely the best food to eat for cancer prevention. The total antioxidant capacity of blueberries is twice that of spinach and three times that of oranges. This extraordinary fruit is also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown in several research studies to be effective in lowering cholesterol. Blueberries are also rich in vitamin A and C.
Cherries
Cherries contain compounds that help relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and even headaches, by blocking inflammatory enzymes. In fact, 20 cherries are 10 times as potent as aspirin. Sweet cherries are also considered to be excellent sources of boron. Boron consumption, coupled with calcium and magnesium has been linked to increased bone health. Sweet cherries are also a significant source of melatonin. The melatonin in cherries may help influence positive sleep patterns.
Peaches
The peach is a member of the rose family and should have a pleasingly sweet fragrance. Beyond that sweet smell, peaches are virtually fat free, and naturally sodium and cholesterol free. They contain vitamin A which helps us see in dim light and they are also considered a good source of fiber.