Summer superfoods are here, and for the first time in a year, you can take advantage of your region’s seasonal offerings. It’s an exciting time, indeed.
The availability of seasonal produce means you’re able to get freshly-picked food almost instantly. Farmer’s markets, neighborhood grocers, and farms themselves will have the most nutrient-dense seasonal fruits and vegetables in your area.
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I don’t know about you, but summer is superfood central in my home. Looking at my counter and in the fridge, I can see fresh mango, tomato, watermelon, blueberries, beets, and bell peppers. Some are from the gardens of friends, while others are from farms just outside of town.
Delicious.
And healthy.
Here is how some of these summer sensations can help you stay cool, healthy, and hydrated this summer.
- Watermelon: The quintessential summer snack is sweet, refreshing, and a fixture in countless homes. It readily serves as a snack or dessert and packs plenty of heart-healthy lycopene.
- Beets: My mother-in-law brought over some fresh beets from her garden the other day. What a blessing. Beets are associated with improved blood flow, and nutrients like folate can help build stronger bones.
- Blueberries: Long recognized as one of the ultimate superfoods, these antioxidant-rich berries are effective at battling inflammation.
- Bell Peppers: These are the perfect topping to salads, wraps, or a topping to whatever you’ve got cooking. When grilled or sautéed, they are even better! They can even serve as a standalone snack. Rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, they deliver all kinds of health benefits.
All of these summer superfoods are rich in antioxidants and can help protect your skin and eyes from harmful sun rays. They don’t eliminate the need for sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective glasses, but they can make your skin and eyes more resilient to damage.
Take advantage of these refreshing seasonal offerings before they are gone!
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
