10 In-Season Foods To Add To Your Diet This Summer
Summer is officially here! While this season signals the return of beach days, swimsuits, and warmer weather, it’s also the start of some delicious fruits and vegetables that are now in season.
Read on to discover which fruits and veggies are ripe and ready to eat—and the benefits of adding them to your diet.
#1 Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin C in addition to other antioxidants. Vitamin C is widely known as being supportive of our immune systems, but it’s also necessary for collagen production and skin health.
#2 Berries
It's impossible to imagine summer without berries. No matter what type of berry you prefer, adding strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries to your diet can improve your blood sugar and fight inflammation. A bonus? The high antioxidant content of berries may help reduce wrinkles.
#3 Carrots
Root vegetables such as carrots are a rich source of vitamin A and may offer several health benefits, including reducing cancer risk, lowering blood pressure, and even aiding in weight loss. Carrots are low-calorie, low-glycemic, and come packed with nutrients and fiber that can help with satiety. They are also a great swap option for chips thanks to their crunch- instead of dipping chips, dip carrots this summer!
#4 Garlic
Garlic may not be great for your breath, but there are many other reasons to love it. Long known as a food with powerful medicinal properties, garlic has been used medicinally for centuries in many ancient civilizations. Turns out, they were on to something! Garlic’s properties may help reduce the occurrence and severity of the common cold, and also lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It may even help you detox from heavy metals. Garlic is also known for fighting a variety of diseases including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
#5 Beets
Beets are another awesome summer root vegetable. Having a high concentration of essential vitamins (like folate), beets are also one of the best sources of nitrates, which boosts our body’s nitric acid. Nitric acid helps dilate blood vessels, contributing to many health benefits including lowered blood pressure, better cognitive function, and better athletic performance.
#6 Green Beans
You'll want to include this delicious kitchen staple in your home-cooked meals this season. Not only can green beans help you maintain a healthy weight, but they are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Another boon for these beans? They are low FODMAP, making them a great food for folks working on healing SIBO or IBS.
#7 Tomatoes
Summer isn't complete without biting into a juicy, ripe tomato. Tomatoes are best known for their high content of lycopene, a phytonutrient that may help prevent cancer, is important for eye health, and supports brain health.
#8 Celery
Another popular snack during the summer is celery. This crunchy veggie is packed with antioxidants that protect your body against oxidative stress. Additionally, celery is low glycemic, reduces inflammation and is good for your digestive system thanks to it’s high fiber content.
#9 Avocados
It’s no secret that avocados pack some important health benefits. The nutrients in avocado include heart healthy fats, Vitamin K, potassium and fiber which can help lower cholesterol and even with weight loss. One study even found that people who regularly eat avocados tend to be healthier than those who didn’t.
#10 Cucumbers
A good snack option for those who are looking to lose weight, this crunchy fruit is low in calories, rich in soluble fiber, and contains lots of water to help keep us hydrated in hot summer months. Cucumbers are another great chip- swap for the summer, giving us that crunchy sensation packaged with antioxidants!
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It’s always a good idea to experiment with new whole foods in your diet. If you need some ideas for recipes to make this summer using these in-season fruits and veggies, check out this collection from The Farmer’s Almanac.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sourceandsproutnutrition.com/disclaimer