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Five Fruits You Should Be Eating This Summer

by — 2012-07-18 in Nutrition & Dieting
As the summer peaks, the water demand of the body also rises. Instead of reaching for a bottle of cola, opt for fruits especially meant to be consumed in summers. They not only quench your thirst but are also full of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Summer Fruits are rich in nutrients apart from having high water content

As the temperature soars and the days become increasingly hot, you tend to look out for things that could provide some relief to your parched throats. The sales of carbonated drinks reach their peak at the height of the summer. People who are health conscious and know that these soft drinks contain nothing but empty calories may instead settle for fruit juices. But seek the advice of any nutritionist and they would tell you to opt for fresh fruits in no uncertain terms.

What are the best fresh fruits to enjoy in summer, just as nature offers them or in some nice fresh salads or smoothies?

1. Watermelon

Watermelons are one of the greatest fruits to have this summer.  These delicious watery fruits contain many health benefits while also tasting really good, the perfect combination! What makes watermelons so healthy? Watermelons are great for a summer snack because they are mostly made up of water and nothings more important than staying hydrated this summer! This tasty fruit is also said to be good for both weight loss and healthy skin and eyes. Watermelons include a lot of nutrients some of which are potassium, carotene, and vitamin C.

2. Banana

Bananas are another great choice mostly because of their high nutritional value. Some of the nutrients you can find in bananas include potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, protein, and magnesium. Banans are also shown to help regulate healthy blood sugar levels as well as being good for your heart.

3. Mango

Grown mainly in tropical countries, mango is a succulent fruit containing large amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and fiber. Just half a mango is believed to take care of 100% of your daily Vitamin A and vitamin C needs, and almost half of the daily requirement of vitamin E. The mango's rich iron content makes it ideal for consumption in patients suffering from anemia. 

Mango also contains large amounts of potassium and nicotinic acid. Its high selenium content is believed to be helpful in patients suffering from heart ailments. It is effective against acid reflux and is also said to promote appetite in its raw form. When so much goodness comes as a package along with a divine taste, what more can one ask for?

4.Strawberries

Although available throughout the year in some form or another, strawberries are best eaten during summers when they are fresh, grown outside rather than in greenhouses, and pack a punch. They are a rich source of vitamin C, B2, B5 and B6. But what really sets them apart is their rich content of phenols. Phenols are antioxidants which possess anti-inflammatory properties besides offering protection against various forms of cancers.

Strawberries also help the body to get rid of bad LDL cholesterol and are therefore recommended for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. They also help in the excretion of uric acid and are hence useful in patients of arthritis. So, try to include two to three servings of strawberries in your meals this summer.
 

5. Pineapple

Apart from loads of vitamin C, pineapples are a rich source of a number of minerals, the most notable of which are manganese, potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, copper and phosphorus. A cup of pineapple can supply almost 73% of the daily recommended dose of manganese. The latter is useful in the absorption of thiamin, biotin and ascorbic acid by the body. It is also a rich source of an enzyme called bromelain, which helps in the digestion of proteins and fats.
 
Bromelain is also believed to be useful in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome because of its anti-inflammatory nature. In countries like Philippines, pineapple is commonly used for its anthelmintic properties. It is useful in a variety of intestinal disorders. It is used to induce childbirth in tribal medicine. Pineapple promotes the health of the thyroid gland and is helpful in protecting against the macular degeneration of the eye.

Considering the amazing properties that these fruits possess, let’s try to include them in our diet this summer. Not only do they add more taste and variety to the food we eat, they also do wonders for our health. Don't settle for these five fruits, though! The more different fruits you include in your diet, the more you will reap the benefits — starting with increased energy and a clearer, more beautiful, skin. 
 
People who want to be environmentally conscious as well as healthy can, meanwhile, make it their mission to buy only locally grown fruits. Try to see if you can sample them all! From tasty blueberries to wonderful raspberries or melons, you will have no shortage of choice.

Sources & Links

  • “Why you should eat watermelons”, by Ruth Olurounbi, Published on November 11, 2011 in Nigerian Tribune, accessed on July 4, 2012
  • “Strawberry extracts may prevent inflammation: Study”, by Stephen Daniells, published on May 25, 2011 in Nutra ingredients- usa.com, accessed on July 4,2012: “Bromelain”, published on June 4, 2011by the American Cancer Society, accessed on July 4, 2012. Photo courtesy of veganjoy on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/veganjoy/4608868235
  • Photo courtesy of mezzoblue on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/mezzoblue/6209472253
  • www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/your-health/31082-why-you-should-eat-watermelons
  • www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Strawberry-extracts-may-prevent-inflammation-Study/?c=jDU207Js6X9eHYTBd9vRew%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
  • http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/bromelain

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