Summer is one of the greatest seasons of the year. Not only can you get outdoors and be more active, you can also eat more fresh produce from local farmers and even your own garden!
Of course, different seasons produce different fruits and vegetables that offer their own unique health benefits. When it comes to super foods, summer has no shortage!
Here are 5 of the best super foods to eat more of this summer:
1. Radishes
Radishes don’t get nearly the attention they deserve. These crisp, peppery veggies are loaded with beneficial prebiotic fiber, which optimizes gut health. These are best eaten raw, so slice and toss some into a salad or dip in guacamole.
2. Beets
Beets are a favorite among many. Their texture and lightly sweet flavor are one of the best things about summer. These purple/red beauties contain powerful phytonutrients such as beta-carotene and betacyanin, which boost the immune system, protecting against many chronic diseases.
Beets are great in a salad with a little goat cheese and make an excellent addition to a smoothie!
3. Eggplant
Eggplants are unique veggies because of their shape and color. But they are also unique because of the amount of tryptophan they contain. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that does everything from regulate your appetite to helping you sleep and improving your mood.
For an easy summertime recipe, try slicing eggplant about a quarter of an inch thick, drizzling it with olive oil, sprinkling with sea salt and cooking on the grill.
4. Blueberries
These berries may be tiny, but the health benefits they offer are enormous!
Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants are what give the berries their gorgeous blue color. But the antioxidants are also great for fighting inflammation, improving cognitive function, and fighting cancer.
Blueberries are endlessly versatile. Toss them in a salad, throw them on yogurt or granola, or just eat them by the handful!
5. Watermelon
We can’t create a list of summertime superfoods and leave off watermelon. Not only is this fruit delicious and low in calories, but the natural sugars found in watermelons help us maintain the right electrolyte balance and keep us hydrated on hot summer days. Plus watermelons are loaded with vitamins A and C, which protect our eyes and boost our immune system!
Eat as is, toss in a smoothie, add to salads and yes, you can even grill thick slices!
Admit it, summer just got a lot more delicious!
SOURCES:
https://drjockers.com/summer-superfoods/
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/13-best-foods-to-eat-this-summer