Seven Superfoods to Snack On This Summer
One of the best parts of the summer is eating fresh fruits and vegetables, some of which you can grow right in your backyard. Eating in-season isn’t only delicious but it’s great for your health. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get healthy or prevent disease, there’s a superfood that can help you reach optimal health the natural way.
Snack on these seven summer superfoods to look and feel better this season:
Lemon: Rejuvenate your skin from within by drinking lemon water. First thing in the morning, have a glass of water with lemon in it. Not only is it great for weight loss but this vitamin C rich fruit will make your skin glow. Lemon water flushes out the toxins in your body and aids the digestive system, which makes eliminating waste products from your body easier.
Avocado: Full of healthy fats, you might be surprised to know that avocados contain more potassium than bananas. Studies show that having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Add avocados to almost any meal, breakfast through dinner.
Chia seeds: Sprinkle some chia seeds on your yogurt, salad or even a smoothie for an energy boost that will last for hours. Despite their size, they pack a big punch loaded with fiber, protein, antioxidants and other nutrients. There’s a reason chia seeds have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries, so add them to anything and everything you eat.
Garlic: Heart-healthy diets are talked about often, but what about brain-healthy diets? Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Garlic has been used throughout ancient history for its health and medicinal properties, having known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease. We’re more than happy to eat garlic and live longer!
Parsley: Parsley isn’t just a garnish, it’s an herb that is rich in vital vitamins such as Vitamin C, B12, K and A. What does that mean for you? A strong immune system, strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Parsley helps flush out excess fluids from your body and is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Pick up some parsley essential oil and massage into your scalp to reduce hair loss.
Beets: One of the first known uses of beets was by ancient Romans who used them as an aphrodisiac. While this is still true due to their nitrates increasing blood flow, beets are also shown to use their nitric oxide to give your brain and energy a boost. The blood-red betalains in beets help reduce chronic inflammation and have even been used in certain treatments of depression.
Grapes: Who doesn’t want to look younger? Grapes are full of beneficial compounds that fight aging and also prevent cancer. You’ve probably heard that red wine grapes are a source of resveratrol, which is an anti-aging powerhouse best known for its ability to prevent cancer. They also contain a variety of antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slow down aging.