Summer is a great time to stock up on healthy fruits and shift your eating from highly processed sweets to natural fructose goodness. Many people find that summer is a time when they naturally crave fruit salads and juicy sweet fruits that are in season this time of year. Instead of reaching for a cookie or piece of cake when you get a craving for something sweet, try grabbing a handful of berries or pineapple to feed that sweet tooth.
1. Berries
Berries are full of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C and lutein. Vitamin K helps fight against prostate cancer and lutein promotes eye health. Berries are also high in fiber and good for digestive health. Consider adding strawberries, blueberries and blackberries to plain Greek yogurt or your morning cereal for a boost of natural sweetness.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is a great summer fruit to help stay hydrated during the hot days of summer. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A and B vitamins. It also contains potassium and magnesium, which are lost during sweating and physical activity. Watermelon also has lycopene which helps fight cancer.
3. Papaya
A tasty tropical fruit, papaya is well known for fighting indigestion and digestive discomfort. Papaya has 300 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It is also a great source for vitamins A and E, which help lower cholesterol levels. Papaya also is high in papain and chymopapain, which decrease inflammation common with autoimmune system disorders.
4. Kiwi
Kiwi is the little green fuzzy fruit that has a huge punch of vitamin C. In fact, it has more vitamin C than an orange. Kiwi is also high in fiber, which is good for colon and intestinal health. Eating foods high in vitamin C is also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, lowering your risk for stroke.
Summer is a great time to eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables that are in season this time of year. You can extend the season into winter by freezing and preserving naturally sweet fruits. No matter what time of year, you can add fruit to cereal, frozen yogurt and smoothies for a burst of natural healthy sweetness.
– The Alternative Daily
