If you’ve been trying to live a healthy lifestyle, summer’s the perfect time to reinforce healthy eating habits. All across the U.S. summer fruits are ripening, and you may even find some locally grown treasures at your farmer’s market. Although fruit, in general, should always be included on your list of healthy foods to eat, there are some fruits that are calling to be incorporated into your diet to kick out this summer.
1. Watermelon
You don’t need to be told twice to slice up this juicy melon. Watermelon is always a favorite during summertime. There’s more than one reason to bite into this sweet summer treat, however. It could just be the best-kept secret to enhance a healthy lifestyle. According to the National Geographic, watermelon juice has been shown to ease muscle soreness after an intense workout, so drink up before that game of beach volleyball. They also cite studies showing how watermelon may protect your heart and fight cancer.
The best part about watermelon, of course, is that it’s mostly made of water, so you can gobble up as much as you’d like without having to worry about the calories. Think twice before you spit out the seeds, however, they have some powerful health properties of their own. They’re high in protein, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, iron, manganese, and much more according to the Guardian.
2. Blueberries
Anyone who cares about a healthy lifestyle has heard about the benefits of blueberries. They’re touted as one of the world’s most powerful superfoods with good reason. According to Berkeley Wellness, studies have shown blueberries have the potential to lower blood sugar, prevent cancers, and act as an anti-inflammatory. Some studies even point to blueberries as a way to improve or protect memory.
Out of all the healthy foods to eat, what makes blueberries so great? A lot of their health properties can be attributed to their high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanin, which gives blueberries their deep and enticing color. According to an article in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, studies about the health benefits of anthocyanins show they scan protect the liver, reduce blood pressure, improve vision, reduce inflammation, and even kick free radicals out of your body. This is definitely one fruit you’ll want to serve this summer.
3. Cherries
Darkly seductive and delicious, the sweet but tart bite of this summer fruit is sure to lure you in with more than its taste. In ND Natasha Turner’s article for the Huffington Post, she explains why tart cherries are more than meet the eye. She recommends cherry juice to help people get better sleep.
One study showed doing so increased melatonin levels, acting as a natural method help people who struggle falling asleep at night. She also explains that cherries can be used to reduce your risk of stroke and inflammation. Remember those anthocyanins found in blueberries? Well, cherries have them too, so you’ll be getting a lot of similar benefits.
4. Avocado
Wait, avocados are fruit? You might have been tricked by their creamy green and savory interior into thinking they were vegetables, but avocados are most definitely a type of berry, one you’ll want to add to your summer list of healthy foods to eat. Although you’re unlikely to eat an avocado the way you would an apple or a pear, it’s a good addition to any meal and can even be used as a healthy substitute for mayonnaise or butter.
According to the Huffington Post, at 975 milligrams, avocados have almost twice the potassium of bananas. Crazy, right? Avocados are also high in fat, but it’s the slimming kind. Don’t shy away from their monosaturated fats because studies show they are key to a healthy lifestyle. They may actually protect your heart by lowering your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides according to an article published in the Telegraph.
5. Figs
It seems like people have forgotten about these soft, tear-drop-shaped purple pods and their subtly sweet flavor. Out of all the healthy foods to eat, figs used to be the most classic and were widely eaten by the ancient Greeks. Lately, however, they’ve been going out of style. Blueberries might be one of the world’s most renowned superfoods, but figs offer their own benefits.
According to BBC contributor Jo Lewin, figs are the ultimate food for the gut: their prebiotics encourage the bacteria in your gut to get moving and help in digestion. Not only that, figs keeps the intestines healthy and act as a natural laxative. Beyond your digestive system, Figs are packed with filling fiber that keeps people feeling full for longer, Jo Lewin explains. That makes them a good choice for people trying to live a healthy lifestyle by slimming down this summer.
What better way to kick out the summer than adding these healthy foods to eat to your shopping list? All of these fruits are in season during the summer months, so not only will you benefit from their healthy properties, you’ll also be supporting local produce. Even if you buy them at the supermarket, you’re more likely to be getting fruit from inside the country, rather than imported.
Author Bio:
Vaileria Dennis is a Health and Beauty expert, having 10 years of experience in Beauty industry and providing healthy living tips. She is also passionate about fitness, women’s issues and more. In recent years, she has had an opportunity to learn about Food and Nutrition. She always excited to share her ideas related to beauty tips, healthy food recipes, and diet plans. Join Vaileria on Twitter, Facebook and Google+