To keep you cool in the summers, fruits are a great inclusion in your diet. The heat might make you crabby and you might not want to eat whole meals as much. Fruits are therefore a great way to beat the summer heat. Watermelons, pineapples, mangoes and melons, there’s a lot of fun fruits in the market during the summers. These fruits have 80% water and natural sugars, giving instant energy and helping the body cope with the heat. Fruits are also rich in fiber, vitamin C and many other nutrients that can improve health when eaten fresh and ripe.
What should be eaten during the summer?
Apricots: Fresh apricots are good sources of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, and iron, and have high fiber content. Harvesting of apricot starts in late spring through early summer. This bright orange color fruit can be stored up to 2 days at room temperature.
Berries: Berries are not only sweet and juicy but also packed with flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful disease fighters. In addition, they increase blood flow and thereby enhance skin’s appearance and texture and make it glow. When buying strawberries, ensure to buy red colored, sweet smelling ones. Strawberries are a good source of various nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, sodium, iron, etc. Besides, strawberries are low in calories and can be eaten as much as you like. Frozen strawberries can be stored up to twelve months. Berries protect against cancer, heart diseases, and circulatory problems due to the photochemicals present in them. Raspberries are a good source of vitamins C and A and fiber. Raspberries are easily perishable and should be stored in the fridge immediately.
Cherries: Bright red cherries not only taste great but also high in nutritional value. They are packed with enzymes and vitamins. The ellagic acid present in cherries inhibits the growth of carcinogenic cells in the body. When buying cherries, ensure to choose heavy, firm cherries. Pick bright colored cherries that have fresh stem intact. Cherries can be stored in the fridge. Chilling can enhance the flavor of cherries. Popular cherry varieties are Bing and Rainer. They are sweet cherries. Sour cherries are also on hand.
Oranges: This citrus fruit is high in potassium that is crucial in the summer. Eating oranges helps to prevent muscle cramps during the summer, as in summer, the body tends to lose potassium through sweat. Oranges contain 80% water and popping few juicy orange slices can help to keep you hydrated during summer.
Peaches: Peaches are rich sources of beta carotene. Beta carotene is an antioxidant photochemical that helps to eliminate free radicals from the body. Beside beta carotene, peaches contain good amount of vitamin C. When buying peaches, choose bright colored firm peaches. The skin should be smooth and have a sweet aroma. Do not buy peaches that are green near the stem.
Pineapples: A pineapple is loaded with most of the vitamins and minerals including potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, vitamin C etc. Apart from being a storehouse of minerals, a pineapple is a very good source of bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion. Buy fruit with a strong aroma, golden color, and fresh leaves.
Watermelon: A watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins C and A, lycopene, potassium, calcium, fiber and pectin. Owing to its high water content, it is refreshing and keeps you cool and hydrated in the summer. The high water content of watermelon makes you feel full and therefore curb hunger pangs and cravings. The lycopene present in watermelon helps to protect skin cells from sun damage.
Eating these seasonal fruits can not only satisfy your taste buds but also offer nutritional benefits and help you get through the summer.
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