Summer is the season when we all want to stay light, hydrated and refreshing. We should all aim at eating water-rich food items to stay well-hydrated and healthy during summers. There are some summer-special foods that must be consumed in order to stay healthy.
When you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, engaging in family-friendly summer activities and backyard cookouts in the heat and humidity, it’s often ideal to pick food items and summer recipes that are light and refreshing. Oftentimes, the ingredients you choose can mean the difference between a much-needed energy boost and a lazy summer afternoon nap.
So, if you’re looking to boost your energy, protect your immune system, get some much-needed nutrients into your body, or are simply looking to change up your summer recipe routine, here are some foods that are absolutely refreshing to consume during the summer heat, and also they come with the added benefit of being healthy for your body.
Watermelon
Watermelon is many people’s favourite fruit during summers. It helps to keep your body well-hydrated as it is rich in water content. We all need to drink plenty of water during summers, to keep our self, going in the hot weather outside. Watermelon fulfils the requirement of water in the body to a great extent. It also helps to protect your skin due to the presence of lycopene in it. Besides this, it has few calories which again makes watermelon a healthy fruit.
Cherry
This summer enjoy both the sweet and tart varieties. Drinking tart cherry juice can help you get a better night’s sleep and reduce post-workout pain and the 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.
Oranges
This sweet citrus fruit is rich in potassium, a nutrient that’s crucial in the summer. Oranges are high in Vitamin C, A and fiber and support healthy immune system responses and help faster inn recovery from infections.
People lose potassium through sweat, which puts their body at risk for muscle cramps. Eating oranges replenishes your supply and keeps muscle cramps away. Oranges are also about 80% water, so popping a few juicy slices will keep you hydrated during your sweatiest summer days.
Papaya
Papaya can offer you multiple health benefits including better skin health. Papaya contains fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. You can eat papaya or prepare a smoothie with it. Papaya contains papain which is good for your heart and skin as well because it reduces inflammation.
Mangoes
If you don’t believe in counting calories, mangoes are the perfect summer treat. The high iron content in mangoes can help people increase the calcium content in their bodies. As a summer fruit, it is very refreshing and can help prevent heat strokes. It is also high on vitamins A and C which help build the immune system. Mango ice cream made with almond milk also provides for a delicious summer treat without the worry of extra sugar calories, and is totally vegan friendly.
