It’s summer again. The sun is perched high in the sky, moving its golden fingertips over the landscape below. The mosquitos are picking and pricking their next victims — behind them, a predatory dragonfly buzzes loudly, ready to eat whatever bug comes too close.
The humid air is as hot as hot can be, and the heat is deliciously bitter as
it invites you to bite into something refreshing that’ll cool you down. So, what do you bite into? Here are five healthy options to keep you cool for the summer!
1. WATERMELON
It’s not summer without watermelon. Watermelon is a large green fruit with a red, juicy interior. Cracking open a watermelon might prove a daunting task, but inside, you’ll find a hydrating sweet snack.
Like the name suggests, watermelon is 92% water, according to
Healthline. This means it’s a great fruit to enjoy in the summer because it contains a high water content, which helps the body regulate temperate to function correctly.
2. BERRIES
The sun might feel warm and inviting on your skin. But the truth is the sun can create sunspots, lead to wrinkles and cause cancer. For this reason, berries are a must this summer.
Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are filled with antioxidants, known as flavonoids, that reduce the likelihood of cancer, according to Healthline. These antioxidants help control free radicals, which contribute to skin damage and aging.
3. SPINACH
From salads to pasta, adding spinach provides a nutrient-rich meal. According to Medical News Today, spinach is a superfood containing vitamin C, iron, potassium, antioxidants and magnesium.
Allergies might become more common in the summer. However, spinach may help reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Spinach contains three nutrients that aid lung function: vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, according to Medical News Today.
4. MANGOES
Juicy, vibrant mangoes carry a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. This fruit is handy because it not only helps prevent cancer, but it also contains vitamin C, which is required for collagen and iron absorption, according to BBC Goodfood.
Mangoes, overall, can protect your skin and body. The fruit
contains antioxidants, like gallotannins and mangiferin, that combat everyday toxins we encounter. Additionally, mangoes contain vitamin A, which helps the body produce sebum, a moisturizing substance.
5. TOMATOES
Tomatoes are red, round fruits (yes, it is a fruit) you should enjoy this summer. According to Healthline, they are 94% water. This makes the tomato a summer champion because it hydrates the body, fighting off the sun’s dehydrating effect.
The fruit also contains beta carotene, a pigment that gives plants their color. This pigment is important because it can help lung function, visual function and even brain function.
This summer, there are plenty of options for you to pick from. Hopefully, you’ve chosen what to sink your teeth into this June, July and August because it’s sure to be a hot one.
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