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It’s summer-that amazing time of year when fresh produce abounds. I love that there’s an abundance of fresh, delicious and healthy choices. Better yet: many of summer’s fruits and vegetables are brimming with secret health benefits. Here are some of my favorites and why they’re a particularly good choice in the summer.
1. Watermelon
Healthy Watermelon Recipes
2. Corn
Pictured Recipe:Garlic Butter Campfire Corn
Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn. And did you know that two antioxidants-lutein and zeaxanthin-in corn may act like natural sunglasses, helping to form macular pigment that filters out some of the sun’s damaging rays? It’s true. The same antioxidants may also help lower your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration-the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 (though much of the damage occurs decades earlier).
Eat More:Healthy Corn Recipes
3. Tomatoes
Pictured Recipe:Herbed Tomato Gratin
There’s no question that sunscreen should be your first line of defense against the blazing summer sun. But eating tomatoes could give you a little extra protection: consuming more lycopene-the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red-may protect your skin from sunburn. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they ate 2 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice daily), in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Supplements, however, weren’t as effective: in the same study, those who received a lycopene supplement or synthetic lycopene weren’t significantly protected against sunburn.
Don’t Miss:Healthy Tomato Recipes
4. Blueberries
Pictured Recipe:Berry-Almond Smoothie Bowl
Get More:Healthy Blueberry Recipes
5. Cherries
Pictured Recipe:Cherry-Berry Oatmeal Smoothie
This summer enjoy both the sweetandtart varieties. Drinking tart cherry juice can help you get a better night’s sleep and reduce post-workout pain. But did you know that compounds in tart cherries may also help you slim down and get leaner? The anthocyanins in tart cherries activate a molecule that helps rev up fat burning and decrease fat storage. Not to be outdone, sweet cherries are loaded with potassium, a natural blood-pressure reducer. Plus, sweet cherries are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, anthocyanins and quercetin, which may work together synergistically to fight cancer.
Eat More:Healthy Cherry Recipes
6. Iced Coffee
7. Raspberries
Pictured Recipe:Muesli with Raspberries
Get More:Healthy Raspberry Recipes
8. Iced Tea
Pictured Recipe:Peach Iced Tea
Watch: How to Make Corn on the Cob for Camping
More Healthy Summer Foods:
7-Day Dinner Plan: Quick & Healthy Summer Dinners
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