It’s summer time, that time of the year when there is abundance of fresh, healthy and delicious choices of food. Be it a slice of watermelon, or a handful of berries, these are all classic summertime foods and as it turns out, also great choices to keep you healthy.
Here are 10 food items you should stock this summer.
1. Watermelon: One often feels dehydrated and weak in summers. Watermelon keeps your body cool during hot months. It not only keeps you hydrated but also keeps your memory sharp and mood stable. It also delivers more nutrients per calorie, as it is very water-dense.
2. Tomatoes: Many studies claim that tomatoes contain lycopene, the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red. This component helps in protecting skin from sunburn. Other studies suggest that in Japan, a compound in tomatoes can help break down lipids in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of vascular diseases.
3. Blueberries: These berries, one of the few foods that are naturally blue, have sky-high levels of antioxidants, which combat the damage done by inflammation. Anthocyanins, the natural plant compounds that give blueberries their deep color, may have antidiabetic effects as well.
4. Peaches: Summer’s favorite stone fruit, peaches are rich in betacarotene, which promotes eye health. Vitamin A and C make peaches a great natural moisturizer. These are often used in cosmetics. These vitamins can help regenerate skin tissue. Peaches are often referred to as the ‘Fruit of Calmness’ in Hungary. It’s a healthy stress reliever that helps reduce anxiety.
5. Cherries: Tart cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Sweet cherries have cancer-preventive components including fiber, Vitamin C and carotenoids, according to the USDA. Cherries are also an excellent source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure by getting rid of the excess sodium in our body.
6. Cucumbers: This water-packed vegetable easily bulks up salads without adding calories and contributes to your daily hydration needs. Cucumbers contain high amounts of dietary fibre. These are extremely rich in Vitamin Bs, which help regulate the functioning of your adrenal glands and counters the harmful effects that stress can have on your body.
7. Zucchini: Thanks to relatively high water content, zucchini can be used as a healthy, low-calorie baking substitute. Regular intake of zucchinis can reduce painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Phosphorus and magnesium found in zucchini are useful in maintaining healthy bones. It helps women to keep osteoporosis at bay.
8. Yellow squash (summer squash): Summer squash and other members of the squash family are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants. Like most vegetables, yellow squash contains little fat and no measurable cholesterol. It’s also abundant in antioxidants that keep free radicals at bay
9. Sugar snap peas: It contains many vitamins that benefit the entire body. They are a source of Vitamin K, which activates osteocalcin and helps keep calcium in bones.
10. Corn: It is very high in fibre, which helps you fight digestive problems like constipation. Fibre also helps lower cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of colon cancer and is also useful in helping to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Source: Khaleej times
