As the temperature rises and the sun shines bright, summer is the perfect time to refresh your diet with seasonal foods. Eating seasonally has numerous benefits, including supporting local agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint, and improving the taste and quality of your food.
Summer is the perfect time to embrace a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, as many of them are at their peak during this season. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of eating seasonal foods in summer and explore some of the top foods to eat as summer approaches.
Eating seasonally means consuming foods that are grown and harvested at the same time of year that you eat them. It is important to eat seasonal foods for several reasons, including Nutritional value, Support to local agriculture and for best of their Taste and Quality.
Benefits of Eating Seasonal Foods in Summer
Summer is a great time to eat seasonal foods because many of them are at their peak during this season such as Mangoes. Some of the benefits of eating seasonal foods in summer include:
Hydration: Many summer fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and cucumber, are high in water content, which helps to keep you hydrated during the hot summer months.
Immune System Boost: Summer produce is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system. For example, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which can help protect against illness and disease.
Antioxidants: Many summer fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Weight Management: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you maintain a healthy weight. Many summer produce items are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
The foods to eat as the Summer approach are:
1. Berries
Berries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any summer diet. They’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for maintaining good health. Some of the most popular berries to eat during the summer include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and protect against sun damage. They’re also rich in folate, a nutrient that’s important for pregnant women. Blueberries, on the other hand, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Raspberries and blackberries are also rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them a great choice for maintaining healthy digestion.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is a summertime classic that’s both refreshing and hydrating. It’s made up of more than 90% water, which makes it an excellent choice for staying hydrated during hot summer days. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and promote healthy kidney function.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, watermelon is also a low-calorie fruit that can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming too many calories. It’s also a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another summer favorite that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to pasta sauces. They’re a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and lycopene. Lycopene, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, tomatoes are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for weight management. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from UV radiation and other environmental stressors.
4. Cucumber
Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating vegetable that’s perfect for hot summer days. They’re made up of more than 95% water, which makes them an excellent choice for staying hydrated. They’re also rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, cucumbers are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for weight management. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from free radicals and other environmental stressors.
5. Peaches
Peaches are a sweet and juicy fruit that’s perfect for summer. They’re a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and promoting healthy kidney function, while fiber is important for maintaining healthy digestion.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, peaches are also low in calories and high in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from UV radiation and other environmental stressors. They’re also a good source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that’s important for eye health.
6. Corn
Corn is a classic summer staple, and for good reason. It’s versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a great option if you’re trying to eat healthy. Whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn is a tasty and nutritious addition to any summer meal.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is another summer vegetable that’s worth adding to your plate. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Zucchini is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. You can enjoy it raw, grilled, or roasted, and it makes a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
These 7 Foods will play a crucial role in your diet as summer is round the corner. It is also quite advised to drink a lot of water and Hydrate yourself to fight the summer heat, along with these delightful foods.