There are quite a few good reasons to buy fresh fruit when it is in season. When fruit is in season it tastes better because it’s been freshly picked at the optimal ripeness. This means they are fully developed and have soaked up enough sun to be packed with antioxidants. To sweeten the deal, seasonal fruit usually costs less money because it’s in abundance. If these aren’t good enough reasons, remember that buying seasonal fruit is also good for your local community, and the environment in general because less resources are used preserving and shipping it when compared to out of season produce.Summer fruit, when acquired in season, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Having had ample time to soak up nutrients from the sun and soil, each type of fruit contains a different package of health benefits. Even if the summer heat has stunted your appetite, try eating the following selection of mature fruits as a convenient way to stay nourished and hydrated this season.
Watermelon
These 10 pound fruits are loaded with light and nutritious juice. Notable nutrients include antioxidants, carotenoids, potassium, vitamin A, C and B6, calcium, thiamin and fiber. Regular consumption can assist in preventing cancer, heart disease, digestion problems and unhealthy skin.
Raspberries
Raspberries contain a high density of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, or more specifically fibrous pectin that lowers cholesterol. Eating them regularly can assist in weight loss, weight gain prevention, cancer prevention and maintaining eye health.
Cherries
In addition to a variety of nutritional benefits, cherries contain anthocyanins, a fat burning compound that improves metabolism and weight loss. They can also improve sleep due to naturally occurring melatonin, another compound that the body produces to become drowsy at night.
Tomatoes
Often mistaken as a vegetable, tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid that gives them a red color. Regular consumption of tomatoes throughout the summer is proven to help reduce sunburns and UV damage from the sun. The vitamins and antioxidants help prevent cancer and are well known for protecting men from prostate cancer.
Cantaloupe
This low calorie fruit is is full of vitamins like A, C and beta-carotene. The potassium helps reduce stress by normalizing heart rhythms, improving oxygen in the bloodstream, and reducing cramps. It is best to eat cantaloupe and other melons alone instead of combined with other foods.
Blackberries
Another great source of vitamins like C and K, as well as antioxidants, blackberries help prevent cancer and heart disease, while improving skin, eye and bone health. They are high in fiber like raspberries and therefore assist in weight loss, and are also known to relieve menstrual pains.
Strawberries
Strawberries are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. In addition to the mentioned health benefits associated with fiber and potassium, strawberries improve the immune system, cholesterol, blood pressure, eyes, skin and can help with pregnancy.
Apricots
An excellent source of iron, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and fiber, apricots can improve hydration and digestion issues. They are known for cancer prevention qualities, boosting the immune system, and provide a plethora of health benefits associated with skin conditions like aging, eczema, dermatitis and inflammation.
Pineapple
This exceptional tropical fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals like maganese, thiamin, A, C, potassium, calcium and phospherous. Pineapples strengthen the immune system, promote oral hygiene and possess strong anti-inflammatory benefits. They also contain fiber and the enzyme bromelain, which supports healthy digestion.
So grab some cold fruit this summer and enjoy the many health benefits it has to offer!
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