Summer is one of the greatest seasons that can offer you a variety of fruits and veggies to indulge on. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer you a variety of vitamins and health benefits. From A to Z, these are some healthy and delicious fruits and veggies you can look out for this season. It is recommended that your purchase organic produce whenever possible to avoid harmful pesticides and herbicides and genetically modified produce. Also consider starting your own garden!
Apples
Apples flourish in the summer and offer a wide range of health benefits. A good source of vitamin C and fiber, apples can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In fact, they may even be good for weight loss as they are high in fiber and water, making them very filling. For the greatest health benefits, it is recommended to eat both the skin and flesh.
Avocados
Avocados are certainly a summertime favorite as they go great in a salad, on toast, in a burrito and with chips. You certainly can’t go wrong with adding this fruit to your grocery list or even grow an avocado tree of your own! Loaded with healthy fats, fiber and various nutrients, avocados are known as a superfood. As they are loaded with heart-healthy fats and even contain more potassium than bananas, avocados go at the top of our list.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green, and are loaded with a variety of vitamins. Extremely high in vitamin C, a single bell pepper provides 169% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI). Bell peppers have also been linked to improving eye health and reducing risk of anemia, making them a mighty little ingredient.
Carrots
Carrots are a great summertime vegetable that can easily be picked up at the store, farmers market, or even grown in your own backyard! Carrots contain a great amount of beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient promotes good vision and is important for growth, development, and immune function. Diets rich in carotenoids may help protect against several types of cancer such as prostate, colon, and stomach cancer.
Corn
You can’t not think of corn on the cob when you think of a summer barbeque! Fortunately, it goes on the list of fruits and veggies that are in season and provide a list of health benefits. Due to its high fiber content, it can aid with digestion as well as provide our bodies with essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Roasted, boiled, broiled, steamed, grilled or microwaved, you can’t go wrong by adding this summertime staple to the list.
Garlic
While you may want to brush your teeth or have a mint after eating it, garlic is a great contributor to your overall health while making an impact as a crucial ingredient for a variety of recipes. Low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese, garlic is a plant in the onion family. Garlic can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and is an active ingredient in supplements that are also known to boost the function of the immune system helping you fight off the common cold.
Lima Beans
Lima beans may not be the most common vegetable around, but they are rich in nutrients, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare. Minerals in lima beans include manganese, potassium. copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which are vital for the health of the nervous system and brain. Including lima beans in your diet may help lower bad cholesterol and even help with weight control.
Strawberries
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and high levels of antioxidants, strawberries are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. Does that sound like enough health benefits to snack on for the summer? Strawberries protect your heart, increase good cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and guard against cancer, making them the perfect summertime fruit.
Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in several vitamins and minerals, and has become a popular healthy alternative for a variety of ingredients and recipes. The fiber, potassium, and carotenoids in zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Plus, since zucchini is high in water and fiber yet low in calories, it can help you feel full and lead to weight loss over time. Use zucchini as an alternative to spaghetti or even bake it into your muffins.
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