Rainbow of Grilled Veggies

Spring offers an array of reasons to enjoy grilled veggies

After months of eating thick, heavy winter vegetables such as beets, squash, and parsnips, the spring months are your first chance to try out something different and light.

The spring is the season where avocados, lettuce, artichokes, rhubarb, spring onions, peas, and leeks begin to sprout and it is up to us to make the most of these delicious veggies whilst they are at the peak of their season.

Health Benefits of grilled veggies

Avocados – Great for getting a healthy heart, the avocado also contains vitamins E and K, plenty of fibre, and other nutrients which act as anti inflammatories. Also known to improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease.
Lettuce – Romaine/Cos lettuce is particular is one of the healthiest varieties out there and one of the most popular spring vegetables. It helps lower cholesterol, contains vitamin C, is high in potassium, beta carotene, fibre and can lower blood pressure too.
Artichokes – Great for your liver, and packed full of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium and fibre. Also great for improving your digestive health and lowering your blood sugar levels.
Rhubarb – Contains antioxidants which help prevent cancer and heart disease. These also keep your heart, immune system and eyes healthy. It is a good source of vitamin K which helps keep your blood healthy, and also contains lutein which is good for your skin.
Spring Onions – Great for supporting bone and connective tissues, onions are also good at promoting cardiovascular health, preventing cancer, acting as an anti inflammatory, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Peas – These contain lots of healthy starch and sugar, and are great antioxidants. Another great veggie for regulating blood sugar, peas are also full of vitamins which support your heart, and can protect against stomach cancers.
Leeks – Containing vitamin B and many other nutrients, leeks are great antioxidants which can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and different types of cancer. They are great for cardiovascular support and also good anti inflammatory.

Grilled Veggies have their nutrients locked in

Boiling spring vegetables can often lead to a loss in nutritional value. This is why it is so great to grill your spring vegetables. To lock in nutrients and cook your veggies in the healthiest way possible, lightly cover them in a tasty marinade or simply place them on a grill covered in tin foil. Turn the vegetables as they grill so each side can benefit from the heat and add a very small amount of oil if they do begin to stick. A mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and crush garlic makes a tasty marinade and only needs to be applied lightly to the spring vegetables.

Colourful grilled spring vegetables can make a great addition to a main course and are a great way of benefiting from the healthy features of a variety of veggies. Mix colours, textures and varieties of spring vegetables and you will never be bored! Find more recipes with grilled veggies on Recipebridge.