Spring is here, which means warmer weather and a burning desire to get outside. It’s time to put away the winter clothes, break out the warm weather ones and enjoy all of the wonderful spring foods the season has to offer.MORE: The Benefits of Shopping at Farmers’ MarketsWe know that science confirms the nutritional and beautifying health benefits of a whole foods diet for our bodies, and that includes partaking in the tasty greens of spring! It is estimated that more than 5,000 phytochemicals have been identified, with more and more convincing evidence that suggests the benefits of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables may be even greater than currently understood.To prevent oxidative stress induced by free radicals, sufficient amounts of antioxidants need to be consumed. Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds (phytochemicals), such as phenolics and carotenoids, that may help protect cellular systems from oxidative damage and enhance our skin.COLUMN: Are You Getting the Right Kind of Gorgeous Greens?Ramp it upRamps are a wonderful spring green native to North America and are considered by many to be one of the prized plants of the spring season. The bulb resembles that of a scallion, but with a beautiful flat leaf that tastes and smells similar to a combination of onions and garlic. They are good for healthy skin: Ramps are an excellent source of vitamin A and contain 20 percent of RDA for vitamin C to help make collagen, folate to help create new cells, and selenium to help repair damaged cells. Ramps pair well with asparagus, another prized vegetable that is rich in potassium, vitamins A and K, folate and glutathione. Combine these two nutrient-rich vegetables with a healthy amount of avocado and fresh spring spinach for a fabulous raw soup that not only tastes great but is also great for your looks!MORE: 7 Habits of Women With Great SkinChilled Avocado, Asparagus, Ramp & Spinach Soup RecipeMakes 5 Servings–Serving Size: 1 cup Ingredients: 2 avocados, peeled and pitted (about 12 ounces)2 cups water2 cups asparagus, chopped, woody bottoms removed2 tablespoons celery, peeled, chopped4 teaspoons lite soy sauce2 tablespoons lemon juice¼ cup fresh spring ramp leaves, cleaned, chopped1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced¼ teaspoon dried thyme1 ½ teaspoons fresh tarragon, chopped, stems removed1 ½ cups fresh spinach, packedPinch cayenne pepper½ teaspoon saltFreshly ground pepper to tasteDirections:Combine all ingredients in a tall pot or deep mixing bowl. Puree with a vertical stick blender until smooth, or place all ingredients in a blender and blend until a smooth puree.Enjoy the bounty of spring and give this fabulous soup a try—your skin will be glad you did!MORE: Boost Your Beauty With These Superfoods

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