Some summer fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for heart health
Summer is a great time to enjoy an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Some summer fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for your heart health.
The best summer fruits and vegetables
If your goal in the heat is to focus on antioxidant-rich foods, summer options abound.
Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage called “free radicals” or oxidative stress, helping to prevent disease.
Free radicals are harmful molecules that destroy cells by causing oxidative stress in the body as a result of a series of chemical reactions. In this way, they contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.
Our bodies have detoxification mechanisms, but foods can also help.
So let’s look at some options that we can easily find everywhere:
Blueberry: They may be small, but they are extremely rich in antioxidants. In addition, there are studies showing that they can protect the mind, helping to reduce cognitive function as we age.
Strawberry: They are easy to eat, delicious and a great addition to fruit salads or delicious desserts. The more they ripen and turn red, the better! The redder the strawberry, the higher the antioxidant content.
Peaches: The orange color that distinguishes them also indicates the type of antioxidants they contain. This color is due to beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A when food is broken down.
Cherry: Both cherries and tart cherries are great choices for reducing inflammation and boosting your heart health. Some studies also suggest that tart cherry juice may have a similar effect on reducing potential damage from oxidative stress.
Pumpkin: Pumpkins are plentiful in the summer, and studies show that their green surface contains the highest levels of antioxidants—especially vitamin A and beta-carotene. No matter how you enjoy it in the oven, pan or grill, it is extremely good for your body.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, the substance that gives the tomato skin its vibrant red color. As a result, most of the antioxidants are concentrated there (in the peel).
Broccoli: There’s a reason parents tell their kids to eat their broccoli: broccoli is good! In addition to the presence of many antioxidants, dozens of studies and reviews have shown that broccoli is useful for many things: from lowering blood sugar to improving digestion and strengthening the immune system.