5 SENSATIONAL SUMMER FRUITS
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Blog. Summer is right around the corner and it’s the perfect time to dive head-first into the beautiful bounty of the season.
We all know how tasty these fruits are, but not all of us know how good they are for us and how many wonderful health benefits they offer. Moreover, because these fruits are in season, they’re affordable and accessible, and easily found in the neighborhood grocery or the nearby farmer’s market.
So, let’s get started with 5 of the best fruits summer has to offer.
STRAWBERRIES
This fruit always makes our “go-to” list of healthy foods – and with good reason. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, an incredible antioxidant that helps prevent cancer by boosting our immune system. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, lutein, and zeathancin, which suppress cancer cell growth and neutralize free radicals. In addition, they fight bad cholesterol, promote eye health and help regulate blood pressure. While this ripe red berry will be available throughout the summer months, the peak season for harvesting is May through June – so pick up a basket or two today!
WATERMELON
Here we have one of everybody’s favorites. Watermelon is light and fresh, and has a very high-water content which can hydrate us and replenish our electrolytes on a hot summer day.
It’s a highly nutritious seasonal fruit that’s an abundant source of antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, beta carotene, potassium and magnesium, all of which help fight cancer, 
lower high blood pressure and protect us from heart disease. And watermelon is loaded with lycopene, a nutrient that lowers our levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.
GRAPES
Grapes are my go-to summer fruit. They’re compact, convenient and easy to eat on the run. They’re high in potassium and vitamin K, both of which support heart health and help protect from heart disease.
These sweet summer treats also are a rich source of healthy plant compounds, including cancer-fighting resveratrol, quercetin and kaempferol. The red and purple varieties also contain anthocyanins, which appear to enhance better heart and brain health. In addition, grapes have a low glycemic index so they won’t significantly affect one’s blood sugar levels.
I love to freeze these babies in the summer for a quick, cold and refreshing treat I can enjoy anywhere and anytime of the day.
PLUMS
Only in season for a few short months, this fruit is rich in vitamins and nutrients that maintain a healthy blood pressure and help prevent strokes. Plums also are filled with fiber and sorbitol that work together to aid digestion and keep our plumbing working properly.
The vitamin D and calcium found in plums are great for bone health and improve bone density. The anthocyanins help protect against breast cancer and the quercetin improves brain function and memory.
Plums like grapes, have a low glycemic index which can help control type-2 diabetes and stabilize blood sugar, and the scant thirty calories per fruit is great for anyone watching their weight and waistline.
PINEAPPLE
Once again, the pineapple is a fruit that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Eating pineapple every day can help shorten viral and bacterial infections, strengthen our bones, and lower our risk for several cancers.
The high level of vitamin C in particular gives our immune system a healthy boost, which kick-starts the body’s defenses against illness and disease. And the bromelain found in pineapple fights inflammation and aids the skin in recovery from cuts, scrapes and bruises.
What’s more, it’s a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen or juiced, and serves as a great accompaniment to a variety of meats, poultry and fish.
The aisles of grocery stores and farmers markets everywhere are overflowing with fabulous produce ripe for the picking. Take advantage of the best this season has to offer and enjoy all the tastes and flavors, as well as the healthy benefits.
Thanks again for joining me everyone. Have a wonderful summer and we’ll see you next time. Until then, be well, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
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