Celebrate the onset of summer by incorporating these eight seasonal fruits and vegetables, renowned for their superb health and nutritional value.
Cherries boast a high content of anthocyanins, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and various other health benefits.
Studies indicate that the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, combined with potent flavonoids, positions sweet cherries as a delectable superfruit. A comprehensive review in the journal Nutrients revealed that cherries mitigate oxidative stress, muscle soreness post-exercise, and blood pressure while also enhancing sleep quality.
Leafy greens, containing approximately 10 to 20 calories per cup, supply various nutrients that assist in preventing ailments such as heart disease, specific types of cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and numerous other health conditions.
Strawberries are a genuine superfruit, delivering a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and valuable phytonutrients.
Strawberries are a low-calorie and nutrient-dense fruit. Just one cup contains 45 calories and provides more vitamin C than an orange. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that strawberries may have beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood glucose, insulin resistance, and other chronic disease risk factors.
Summer tomatoes surpass those available at any other time of the year. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber and are exceptionally low in calories, with just 20 calories per medium-sized tomato.
A meta-analysis published in Food Chemistry revealed that higher lycopene consumption was linked to reduced risks of mortality from various causes, including prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and male infertility.
Watermelon, the epitome of a summer fruit, is adored by fans everywhere. Bursting with essential nutrients like vitamins A, B6, and C, along with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous, watermelon also boasts lycopene, antioxidants, and amino acids to support a healthy lifestyle.
With its high water content of 92% by weight, watermelon is an excellent choice to quench your thirst during hot and humid summer days. Additionally, watermelon is a rich source of lycopene, containing more of this beneficial antioxidant than any other fruit. Research has shown that carotenoids, including lycopene, can play a role in protecting against chronic diseases when consumed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Blueberries, known for their deep blue color, are a powerhouse of anthocyanins, a special group of antioxidant phytonutrients. These compounds have been linked to a range of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, regulating blood sugar, and decreasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Blueberries also support eye health and cognitive function as you age. A study in gerontology suggested that the polyphenolic compounds in blueberries could help protect against age-related cognitive and motor issues by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Peaches, the quintessential summer fruit, are beloved for their delicious taste and impressive nutritional profile. They are low in calories but high in essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and zinc.
Zucchini, a well-loved summer squash, has been cherished for its health benefits for millennia. It is a nutritional powerhouse, providing over 20 vital nutrients, such as potassium, manganese, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and fiber.