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April Produce: What Are the Best Fruits & Vegetables to Eat This Month?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:25:45 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – As we transition from March produce to April produce, more and more spring vegetables and fruits become widely available. April is a fantastic month for fresh, flavorful produce with spring officially in full swing. Seasonal fruits and vegetables in April are not only at their peak in taste, but also provide a variety of nutrients that support overall health. Eating in-season produce means you get the best flavors while benefiting from the freshest ingredients, particularly spring fruits and veggies. So, what are the best fruits and vegetables available in April? Below we highlight some of the most nutritious options and share ideas on how to use April produce in delicious ways. What produce is in season in April? This brings an abundance of fresh April produce, including vibrant fruits and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re shopping at your local farmers market or grocery store, here are 20 fruits and vegetables in season this month: 1. Apricots Apricots are sweet and juicy April fruits that are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C beta-carotene and fiber. These sweet, golden-orange fruits offer support for healthy skin and vision. Research has revealed that apricots support eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and may aid digestion due to their fiber content. 2. Artichokes Nutrient-dense with a delicious, meaty texture, artichokes are rich in antioxidants and great for liver health. Artichokes are packed with fiber, folate and antioxidants. They possess liver-supporting properties, thanks to compounds like cynarin, which may aid in detoxification and digestion. 3. Asparagus A springtime staple, asparagus is rich in fiber and folate, along with vitamins A, C and K. It supports detoxification and gut health thanks to its prebiotic fiber content. Researchers have noted that asparagus may support digestive health and cardiovascular function due to its high fiber and antioxidant content. 4. Carrots Carrots are great raw or cooked. These sweet, crunchy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and benefits both skin and eye health. Studies have revealed carrots support vision health and may protect against age-related macular degeneration. 5. Cherimoyas Creamy and custard-like with a tropical flavor, cherimoyas are high in vitamin C, B6 and fiber, and they promote immunity and digestion. Known as the “custard apple,” the cherimoya’s antioxidant properties may help reduce oxidative stress and improve heart health. 6. Fava beans A plant-based protein source with iron and folate, fava beans have a creamy texture and are some of the healthiest legumes to eat. These beans can help support muscle maintenance and metabolic health. They also contain L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, which may aid brain function. 7. Guavas Packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants to support immune health, guava is perfect for smoothies and snacks. Guavas have been shown to support immune function and reduce inflammation. They also contain lycopene, which may play a role in cancer prevention. 8. Kumquats Kumquats are citrus fruits with edible peels and a tart-sweet taste. Those edible peels mean bonus fiber and flavonoid antioxidants. Kumquats also are a great source of vitamin C and may help lower cholesterol levels. 9. Lemons Ideal for freshening up recipes and boosting flavor, these citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and citric acid, which help support immune function and improve iron absorption. Their high antioxidant content may also protect against oxidative stress. 10. Lettuce A must-have for fresh, crisp salads, lettuce is low in calories but high in water content and fiber. Research has suggested that certain lettuce varieties contain anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health. 11. Mangoes Tropical, juicy, and packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene and fiber, mangoes promote gut health and may support immune function. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 12. Oranges Juicy and refreshing, oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber and flavonoids. Several studies have highlighted their role in reducing oxidative stress and promoting heart health. They’re great for snacks or juice. 13. Peas Sweet and tender, peas are excellent in fresh dishes. These small but mighty legumes are rich in protein, fiber and vitamin K. They play a key role in muscle maintenance and satiety, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. 14. Pineapples Sweet and tangy, pineapple is great for fresh or cooked dishes. This tropical fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Pineapples are also a great source of vitamin C and manganese, supporting immune function and bone health. 15. Radishes Peppery and crisp, radishes are perfect for salads and garnishes. They possess anti-inflammatory capabilities and are great for digestion. Radishes are high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. They also contain glucosinolates, which support liver detoxification and may have anticancer properties. 16. Rhubarb Technically a vegetable but often treated as a fruit in desserts, rhubarb is high in calcium and magnesium, making it great for supporting bone health. It’s also rich in vitamin K (another bone-strengthening nutrient) and fiber, and rhubarb has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, according to research. 17. Spinach Loaded with iron, folate and vitamin K, spinach is a versatile green known for its role in supporting red blood cell production. Studies also link spinach to improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation. 18. Spring onions Spring onions on the mild side, perfect for adding a fresh bite. Also known as green onions, these vegetables contain sulfur compounds that may support heart health and have antimicrobial properties. They also provide vitamin C and folate. 19. Strawberries A spring favorite, strawberries are loaded with folate, potassium and antioxidants, like anthocyanins and vitamin C. Studies have linked strawberries to improved cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation. 20. Swiss chard A nutrient powerhouse with earthy, slightly bitter leaves, Swiss chard is especially good for bone support since it’s full of magnesium and vitamin K. It is also high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Swiss chard also may help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health. Best April vegetables and fruits to eat What fruit is in season in April? Strawberries Pineapple Papayas Oranges Mangos Limes Lemons Kumquats Kiwi Guavas Grapefruit Cherimoyas Cherries Avocados Apricots Apple What vegetables are in season in April? Watercress Turnips Swiss chard Sunchokes Spring peas Spring onions Spring garlic Spinach Shallots Rhubarb Radishes Radicchio Purple sprouting broccoli Parsnips New potatoes Mushrooms Lettuce Leeks Kale Horseradish Fennel Fava beans Endive Cucumbers Chicory Chard Celery root Celery Cauliflower Carrots Cabbage Broccoli Beets Asparagus Artichokes Arugula How to use April produce With so many fresh options available, there are countless ways to enjoy April’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas to make the most of April produce: Salads: Toss together fresh greens like lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard with sliced strawberries, radishes and a citrus dressing. Smoothies: Blend mango, guava and apricots with yogurt for a refreshing drink. Grilled or roasted vegetables: Roast asparagus, carrots and artichokes with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful side dish. Stir-fries: Add fava beans, peas and spring onions to a quick stir-fry with tofu or chicken. Baking: Use rhubarb and strawberries to create a delicious spring pie or crumble. Soups: Make a light, spring-inspired soup with peas, asparagus and fresh herbs. Citrus-flavored drinks: Use kumquats, lemons and oranges to make refreshing infused water or homemade lemonade. Conclusion April is a wonderful time to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. From sweet strawberries and juicy apricots to nutrient-dense asparagus and Swiss chard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to April produce. Incorporating fresh, in-season produce into your meals not only enhances flavor ,but also provides essential nutrients to support your health. Take advantage of what April produce has to offer by trying new recipes, exploring farmers markets and enjoying the best nature has to offer this season! To read the original article click here.

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7 Super-Charged Habits for Your Healthiest Summer Ever

AHA Publisher — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 07:00:31 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – There’s something about summer. It simply feels like the best season to form healthy habits. It seems easier and more natural during warm, light-filled days. If you’re ready to make a change, and make this your healthiest summer ever, we’ve got the top super-charged habits to help you. These habits are not complicated, but they may be life-changing. They are simple and easy to add to your lifestyle. In fact, most of them require just a small change in behaviors you’ve already established. Why not get started today? 7 Hacks to Make This Your Healthiest Summer Ever 1. Make It Ice Water There are actually 2 ways ice water can help you make this your healthiest summer ever. First, drinking ice water keeps your body cool during the hot summer months while improving calorie burn. How? Ice water is much colder than your body temperature, and your body must burn calories to warm it up. While this may seem like a negligible metabolism increase, it can add up to significant calorie burn. In fact, mathematically, every 64 ounces of ice-water you drink should require 61 calories (burned) to warm up. Over a week, this can add up to almost a 500 calorie deficit. In studies, drinking 16 ounces of ice-cold water per day actually increased calorie output by about 100 calories per day (1). While the studies are small in scale, they suggest ice water offers calorie and metabolism benefits. The second way ice-cold water can make this your healthiest summer ever is by exposing your body to it. When your body is exposed to very cold water, it uses brown fat cells to warm itself. These cells are extremely advantageous for metabolism. What’s more, ice-cold showers have been found in studies to activate “white fat” by making it act more like “brown fat(3).” In time, your body will naturally burn more calories the more brown fat you have. Easy Summer Hack Plan: This summer, drink at least 16 ounces of ice-water per day. Then, either shower or plunge into ice-cold water as often as possible. 2. Grow a Garden for Your Healthiest Summer Ever While you may think the only benefit of gardening is the harvest, there’s actually many healthy benefits when you put your hands in soil. In fact, studies have found that gardening is a great stress reducer and promotes feelings of calm and well-being (2). What’s more, gardening is a great excuse to get outside and be active. Take advantage of the time using your muscles and increasing vitamin D production from the sun. Easy Summer Hack Plan: Plant your own garden, herb container-garden, or join a community garden. No matter how you do it, you will reap benefits beyond the food itself. 3. Eat Delicious Seasonal Fresh Produce Like Greens and Herbs Ever feel like winter’s ingredients are less than inspiring? Well then, summer foods are for you! Take a look at your garden or the produce section in your local grocer. It’s brimming with fresh, in-season, healthy foods. In fact, when you add more greens and herbs to your diet, you can consume the same component plants used to grow and flourish: chlorophyll. In addition, vibrant and brightly colored vegetables and fruits offer a vast array of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting nutrients. Try: Delicious Fresh Herb Sauces. A delicious parsley-based sauce like Keto Zone® Chimichurri or Fresh Basil Pesto is perfect for any summer meal! Vibrant Salads and Green Vegetables. Greens are amazingly nutritious foods that are highly anti-inflammatory and health-promoting (3). Try eating a green salad with heart healthy extra-virgin olive oil every day. Fresh Low-Carb Summer Fruits. With a bit of portion control, fruits like berries can fit into a Keto Zone® lifestyle, and they are ripe and flavorful in the summer. Berries support healthy blood pressure (4), deliver loads of antioxidants, and promote overall health. Lemons and limes are also great for you, adding vitamin C, antioxidants, and more. Divine Health Organic Fermented Green Supremefood® and Organic Red Supremefood®. A great way to add even more organic greens and fruits to your diet is through Divine Health’s delicious organic fruit and vegetable powders. They are great-tasting and easy to add to water, tea, smoothies, and more! Easy Summer Hack Plan: Add 1-2 servings of Organic Red and Green Supremefood® to your daily routine, cover half your dinner plate with fresh greens, and try a new herb-sauce this summer! 4. Add Variety by Drinking Tea Tired of plain water? Make the switch to tea for part of your daily fluids. Beyond providing great hydration on hot summer days, black and green tea offer amazing health benefits for your eyes, brain and entire body. In fact, black and green tea support cellular detox, the fight against oxidative stress, normalized cortisol, increased calorie burn, healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, brain health (3), oral health, and a fiery metabolism. What’s more, you can get double the benefits when you add Organic Fermented Green Supremefood® to your tea or other foods during the day. It contains Green Tea Leaf Extract for a fermented, potent healthy green tea source. Easy Summer Hack Plan: Drink 16 ounces of green or black tea per day, preferably ice-cold. Consider adding 1 scoop of Organic Red and Green Supremefood®to your tea. You just might get 3 habits in 1! 5. Move Your Workout Outside Summer is one of the best times of the year for outdoor activities and exercise. Not only does it promote heart health, but being outside also supports mental health and enhanced mood. Studies have found that activity outside improves health markers and supports healthy cortisol. This means less tension, fatigue, and depressed moods. Amazingly, it may also help you exercise more consistently. One recent study concluded that men and women over 66 years who exercised outside reported higher levels of total activity per week than inside-exercisers (5). 6. Take an Evening Walk In addition to an outdoor workout, make this your healthiest summer ever by getting outside for an evening walk after dinner. Why? First, walking always burns calories and supports heart health (6). Moreover, timing a walk after dinner can help normalize post-meal blood sugars, reduce evening stress, and encourage optimal sleep. 7. Follow the Sun There’s really no better time to work on your own 24-hour daily cycle and circadian rhythms than summer. You can make this your healthiest summer ever by aligning your wake and sleep times with the sun. Artificial light is a known issue for sleep cycles. Since most of us are inside much of the day, stay up far past sundown, and stare at blue screens like computers and phones, our circadian rhythms can easily become “off balance.” It’s no wonder. We live in a world with fast-paced, busy schedules and often need artificial light throughout the year to get everything done. However, in the summer, we’ve got the opportunity to use more natural light and align our days with sun-up and sun-down. You’ll find a natural-light cycle can support healthy sleep, which in turn supports brain, immune, hormone, and whole-body health. How to Make These Healthy Habits Stick Habits are best added one at a time until you master each. To make these habits stick for your healthiest summer ever, add one per week over the next 7 weeks. Focus on each for 7 days, and then add the next. You can make small changes to super charge your summer, and then continue them to turn your healthy habits into a healthy lifestyle. Bottom Line Summer is a wonderful time to add healthy habits to your life. These top 7 tips can take your health from mediocre to supercharged! Try them for the next 7 weeks and experience the difference. Add great foods and ingredients like Organic Red and Green Supremefood®. You’ve got nothing to lose, and your healthiest summer ever to gain! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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