Four Best Superfoods to Eat This Summer

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Summer has finally set in, which means you will now get to enjoy all this season’s delicious superfoods, which are not only full of flavor, but also packed with plenty of nutrients to keep you energized and hydrated through these dry, scorching days. Let’s take a look at some of the best fruits and vegetables you can pack your kitchen with this summer:

1.    Cherries

These appetizing fruits are not only delicious, but they also possess a lot of health benefits. They contain incredibly powerful antioxidants, and cancer-preventive compounds, such as vitamin C, fibers, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, which means they will definitely keep you on the safe side when it comes to maintaining your longevity.

Some of the best-kept secrets about these fruits, though, are its amazing property of relieving arthritis pain and of reducing sleep disorders. According to researchers, tart cherry juice is extremely helpful in enhancing your sleep quality, so if you are currently suffering from insomnia, you might consider giving them a shot.

They do have a short peak season though (May to July) and they have a pretty reduced shelf life after harvest, so make sure to take full advantage of them while they last.

2.    Watermelon

This superfood is probably this season’s crown jewel and for good reason. The watermelon dates back some 5000 years ago and is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. While its refreshing nature is usually enough to convince you to try it, you should know that it is filled with powerful nutrients, that you might not have even considered.

Surprisingly, it packs a much higher quantity of lycopene than tomatoes, which is known for preventing asthma caused by intense exercise, preventing diabetes, the aging of the skin and even age-related macular degeneration. It is also believed to work wonders with osteoporosis and may even aid in the treatment of infertility. On a side note, it also has amazing benefits for the skin, so if you’re looking for an instant glow effect, fix yourself a smoothie with this superfood and you’ll be all set for the day.

3.    Swiss Chard

This superfood is not just one of the most famous vegetables from the Mediterranean, but also one of the most nutritious ones around. It has the power to prevent several types of cancer, boost your immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, prevent heart disease, while also detoxifying the body.  Swiss Chard has been the preferred vegetable in diets for decades and for good reason. Since it is packed with all kinds of vital compounds, such as vitamins E, C, K, lutein, calcium, and iron, this allows the human body to draw all the necessary minerals for the day, while also contributing to a healthy weight loss.

4.    Peaches

This delicious, velvety superfood definitely deserved a spot on our list, particularly since it is said to be a Chinese symbol of longevity and immortality. They have incredible antioxidant properties, such as lutein and beta-crytoxanthin, which help protect the human body from several common diseases.

They also pack a high quantity of potassium, which is crucial in establishing a proper nerve signaling and cellular function of the body. Their high lutein concentration also help in improving eye health, particularly when it comes to preventing age-related macular degeneration.

What is perhaps less known is the fact that peaches are incredibly beneficial when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have discovered the fact that some of their components can actually aid in preventing serious mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

So there you have it: our top four superfoods to stock your pantry with this summer. What are some of your favorite healthy foods this season?

 

amanda