Summer Fruits For Good Health

Summer is upon us and with the warm weather comes a cornucopia of delightful fruits and vegetables that not only taste great but are excellent health boosters as well!

Try out juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer. Consumption of fruits and juices reduces body heat and benefits in controlling body temperature. Fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants that can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes-related damage and even slow down the body’s natural aging process. The Many Health Benefits of Our Favorite Summer Fruits

Summer Fruits for Good Health
Watermelon

Watermelons are a significant source lycopene, a carotenoid only obtainable through diet, known to help prevent and treat many types of cancer, including prostate cancer.  A watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight making it a perfect snack for any outdoor summer activity due to its natural hydration. Watermelons are rich in electrolytes, sodium and potassium which are lost through perspiration.

Mango

Mangoes, though difficult to peel (see picture for easy slicing method), contain more beta-carotene than any other fruit, which helps to prevent cell damage leading to heart disease and stroke.  These multi colored fruits also contain high levels of fiber which help to control appetite and aid in metabolism. One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, important for the promotion of good eyesight.

Raspberries

One cup of raspberries has 64 calories and is a great source of fiber some of it soluble in the form of pectin, which helps lower cholesterol and an excellent source of vitamin C. The gorgeous red color is from anthocyanins, an antioxidant. Choose juicy-looking, brightly colored raspberries, as raspberries do not continue to ripen once picked.

Papaya

Papayas make for a great summer fruit as they can easily be added to your salads or eaten on their own with low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt for dessert. The nutritional highlight of papaya is its vitamin C content, providing over 300% of your daily need.