The Best Fruits And Vegetables For Baseball Pitchers

You already know the importance of eating a healthy diet. For me, fruits and veggies are a favorite and can provide many of the essential vitamins and minerals you need to perform your best on the mound. Here's the nutritional value of produce and their corresponding seasons.

April

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Salad greens (radicchio, mache)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Richly colored, nonwilted leaves

REAP THE BENEFITS: A two-cup serving supplies more than 400 percent of for vitamin A, 100 percent of folate, and a wealth of minerals, such as magnesium and potassium.

May

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Strawberries

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Deep-red fruit, without mushy or spoiled spots; smaller are often sweeter

REAP THE BENEFITS: One cup fulfills your daily vitamin C needs and contains the cancer-fighters ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

June

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Apricots

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Rich orange-colored fruit that is slightly soft, indicating tree-ripened

REAP THE BENEFITS: Three apricots pack more than half of the DV for vitamin A, 15 percent of fiber, and tons of potassium.

July

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: White corn

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Green husks; partially peel and look for plump kernels

REAP THE BENEFITS: One ear boasts loads of the B vitamins, such as thiamin, vital for metabolism.

August

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Blueberries

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Even blue color; plump but not soft in appearance

REAP THE BENEFITS: One cup supplies a hefty dose of fiber, 30 percent of DV of vitamin C, and anthocyanidins, a group of antioxidants.

September

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Honeydew melon

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Sweet smell and smooth skin, free of cuts or overly soft areas

REAP THE BENEFITS: 90 percent water, which aids hydration, plus loads of potassium, vitamin C, and carotenes.

October

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Concord grapes (or other deep-red or purple grapes)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Plump, evenly colored grapes; avoid bunches with wrinkled tops and loose stem connections

REAP THE BENEFITS: Full of potassium and polyphenols, which help minimize LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.

November

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Red cabbage

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Tight head that feels heavy

REAP THE BENEFITS: One cup raw supplies 25 percent DV of vitamin C and potassium, in less than 20 calories.

December

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Sweet potato

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Firm, without cuts or deep blemishes

REAP THE BENEFITS: Contains more potassium than a banana and a hefty dose of the cancer-fighter beta carotene.