Best Nutrient-Dense Foods For Summer

Seasonal fruits, being an essential source of rich vitamins and nutrients, are required to fulfil the body's requirements. They are planted in a suitable climate and used up in the distinct phases of the year, aligning with seasonal changes. The advantage of seasonal products over preserved products is that they are free from any sort of preservatives and artificial ripeners, hence are more healthy and beneficial for the body.

Are you ready to shop for seasonal foods from now onwards? Team Curated Wellness has gathered the top 5 nutrient-dense foods.

Watermelon

One of the most likely preferred fruits during hot summers is watermelon. A delicious, sweet, wholesome fruit enriched with electrolytes and water is enjoyed as brunch and sometimes as breakfast. Watermelon contains about 92% water that keeps you hydrated throughout the day; therefore, it's called a hydration superstar. Some people do not drink adequate water continuously and hence face dehydration during extreme summer weather. Watermelon is an exquisite component that helps them cope with dehydration. Watermelon is the best source of hydration after water in hot temperatures and fulfils the electrolytes requirement of your body.

Generally, diet-conscious people avoid watermelons because they are often confused about whether these have a high glycemic index and, therefore, can distort their diet charts. However, watermelon has a very low glycemic index, which means it has extremely low sugar and low calories. It satisfies your diet chart and can also be a good replacement for your old boring carbs food.

Interestingly, watermelon regulates the osmoregulation of the body and promotes healthy digestion due to its high fiber content. Along with adequate water content, it is also enriched with antioxidants required for good skin health. Moreover, vitamin C in watermelons lowers pigmentation, promotes blood circulation, and enhances skin complexion, making it soft and plump.

Moreover, watermelon is enriched with a carotenoid, lycopene, which is the biggest source of cancer prevention. It has inhibitory properties that inhibit abnormal cell growth and increase the production of enzymes that break down cancer-causing products. The carotenoids lower the rate of inflammation, eliminating the free radicals from the body. It lowers the concentration of free radicals in the body and also controls the rate of inflammation in the body.

The high content of lycopene and vitamin C together makes an outstanding choice to prevent heart disease and several other cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, lycopene also regulates blood pressure and manages cholesterol levels in the body, which prevents atherosclerosis and lowers the risk of inflammation and heart attack.

Refreshing Watermelon Cooler Recipe!

Watermelon juice and watermelon protein coolers are very refreshing and hydrating. Here is the quick recipe!

• Watermelon slices (x2 cups)
• Berries (½ cup )
• Lime juice ( 2-3 tbsp )
• Mint leaves ( 1-2 )
• Protein (2 scoops) Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Salt (½ tsp) Celtic Sea Salt

Berries

Plumpy, small, colourful oval, heart-shaped fruits enhanced with minerals and vitamins such as folic acid along with antioxidants are a ready-to-go summer snack and may be as a dessert, too. Despite being rich in sweetness, berries are very healthy; less fat helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the pitfall of Parkinson's disease and several other cognitive disorders. Multiple types of berries, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are consumed during hot weather. Berries are also called nature's candies.

Strawberries

Strawberries are sweet heart-shaped berries packed with rich antioxidants and vitamins. Most people who are suffering from diabetes are recommended to have strawberries as these berries are rich in vitamin C, which regulates the blood glucose and cholesterol levels in normal ranges and prevents inflammations. Folic acid and folate in strawberries prevent chronic diseases and decrease the risk of diabetes mellitus

Blueberries

Blueberries seem no less than a sweet blue pie delight during intense summer weather. Berries full of antioxidants protect the body against the increasing risk of cancer due to the presence of antioxidants called anthocyanins that can reduce cancer cells. Vitamins in blueberries boost immunity and lower inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic heart diseases.

Blackberries

Overloaded with polyphenols, blackberries produce exotic components that inhibit the carcinogenic character of foreign chemicals. A considerable amount of vitamin C keeps the skin hydrated and gives a plumpy texture to the skin. Blackberries actively promote healthy digestion and maintain the normal functioning of the body. Berries also promote active digestion and keep the body healthy.

Raspberries

Consuming an adequate amount of raspberries is an effective way of treating aches such as stomach aches, back aches, and morning sickness due to the presence of rich antibiotics and nutrients. Brain health is also promoted by fresh berries. Moreover, vitamins and antioxidants in berries keep the skin moistured and hydrated throughout hot summer weather.

Peach

Peach is one of the highly recommended fruits during intense summer weather as it is packed with adequate amounts of potassium, minerals, and necessary vitamins. Especially during summers, when an excess amount of water is lost through the body in the form of sweating, the consumption of peaches helps maintain the osmoregulation of the body, preventing dehydration and skin damage. Peaches help maintain electrolyte balance and reduce frequent attacks of dizziness and fatigue.

Peaches overcome the oxidative effect of compounds and protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. A medium-sized peach is packed with up to 3 grams of fibre that aggravates peristalsis and is healthy for people who face constipation. Peaches also contain essential compounds that aid gut health.

Peaches contain antioxidants that are essential for managing cholesterol levels, lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol in the body while preventing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, inflammation and cancer risks are also lowered, and the growth of malignant tumors may be reduced because of the carotenoids packed inside the peaches.

Peaches are quite wholesome and, as a whole keep the immunity boosted, are responsible for the elimination of toxic compounds i.e. nicotine through urine. Peaches maintain the blood glucose level at a uniform rate and lower insulin resistance.

Pear

Pear is a sweet green bell-shaped giant fruit usually eaten during summer. Pear is packed with abundant of nutrients and plant-based compounds that support the mechanisms and healthy working of the body. Embedded with an excess of fiber, folate, antioxidants, and vitamins; pear helps regulate the cholesterol level of the body and maintain homeostasis of the body.

During hot summers, the pear is a go-to fruit for refreshing your body due to its magnesium and vitamin C composition. Many people face skin problems due to sunburn in summer, and their skin becomes very sensitive due to exposure to UV rays. Pears are enriched with antioxidants and essential nutrients that help restore sun damage, reduce tanning, and enhance the texture, meanwhile improving overall skin health.

Health professionals recommend eating pears during summer to boost immunity and prevent several diseases. Vitamin A and vitamin C in pears protect the body against viruses and infections. Minerals like copper and magnesium embedded in the pear reduce inflammation of the heart and prevent arteriosclerosis.

Pear contains an adequate amount of flavonoids and folates, which are anti-cancer nutrients that protect the body from cancer. Pears also aid in digestion due to the presence of high fibre content. Then what are you waiting for? Have a bowl of pears packed up with all the nutrients

Apricots

Everyone's favorite, the apricot, is embedded with all the essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, iron, potassium, and calcium. Apricots are a healthy summer snack full of several important nutrients along with a delicious taste. Although these apricots are so sweet, they are low in calories and fat.

Apricots are the best food for people with diabetes due to their lower glycemic index, which controls the rapid spikes in blood glucose levels when consumed. People who are suffering from weak eyesight and are tired of spectacles must go for enough apricots regularly because these are rich in carotenoids and vitamin A.

Cartenoids prevent eyesight loss, and vitamin A enhances vision and protects the eye.

One of the best things about apricots is that this small, sweet fruit is extremely beneficial for the skin. Cartenoids packed in the apricots help repair skin damage caused by high UV exposure, making skin fresher and radiant.

Along with skin, apricots are likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders, regulate blood pressure, and improve circulation due to the presence of immense antioxidants and folates, ensuring cardiac health. Also, it improves digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system due to the fiber in its peel.

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