

Start menu planning with ideas from the article, “ 7-Day Vegetarian Meal Plan for Anyone Trying to Eat Less Meat. Essential minerals - Fruits and vegetables also are great sources of essential minerals including copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and selenium.

Fruits also can help control blood sugar and offer additional benefits such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Blood sugar regulation - Vegetables are low on the glycemic index so they help keep blood sugar in check and contain the B vitamin folate that may reduce the risk of cancer and depression.This group also provides vitamin K that may prevent the buildup of arterial calcium, which in turn lowers the risk of heart problems. Potassium and vitamin K - Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, chard and kale provide potassium that aids kidneys in removing sodium and can help lower blood pressure.Fiber - All are good sources of fiber which not only keep systems running smoothly but may improve absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.So, plan a weekly menu that incorporates the most seasonal produce and enjoy the healthy benefits that fresh fruits and vegetables provide, such as: Among the produce that is especially bountiful in September in Arizona are sweet corn, tomatoes, different kinds of squash, spinach, beets, eggplant, dates, and raspberries, apples, pears and peaches. Since it’s summer’s end, this is the time when more variety is available and everything is at its peak of just-picked freshness. To maximize the many offerings of farmer’s markets it’s a good idea to plan a weekly menu that includes products and produce available at the time. #2 Do a little menu planning for better senior health A great website that can help is Local Harvest, which provides information about hours, what vendors and products are offered, and directions for a range of local markets. Next, seek out local farmer’s markets to plan trips that will help make each one a success. So, make a plan to sample the offerings of local farmers at the many farmer’s markets in the greater Chandler area.Ī good place to begin is with ’s “ What’s in Season? Arizona Produce Calendar ,” to find out what is available when. Try these easy ways for making the most of summer’s harvest and all its goodness before it’s gone! #1 Check out local farmers markets for a varietyĪrizona is home to a wide variety of produce, meats and even seafood, some available year-round, others seasonal. These wonderful offerings are not only tasty but very good for better senior health and improved diets. Summer is over, but that means there is an incredible bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available.
