Benefits of Seasonal Summer Foods

Benefits of Seasonal Summer Foods

Summer is coming! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and plums are finally riper, juicier, and more affordable. There are a number of reasons why eating seasonally and locally is better. It’s a nutritious way to eat tastier fruits and vegetables. Plus, it’s better for the earth and your body.

They are more nutritious

Have you ever noticed that strawberries taste better in the summer? While it’s controversial if eating organic has more nutritional value than conventional produce, studies show seasonal foods can be picked ripe, which makes them taste better and have a higher antioxidant content (1). If you buy your produce locally, chances are it is picked ripe because it doesn’t rely on long transport times. Produce picked out of season or picked before ripening don’t have as good of a flavor or nutritional value.

They’re better for the environment and your wallet

When you purchase produce from farmers nearby, it not only improves the local economy and growers, but the environment too. Less travel means more affordable options and a lower carbon footprint. If you are not finding seasonal produce in your local grocery store that is a lower cost than normal, consider going to your local farmer’s market, where you will be able to buy directly from the farmers.

5 Top Summer foods that provide health benefits

  • Blueberries – have compounds clinically shown to improve brain health (3).
  • Zucchini – supports vision with an abundance of Vitamin A (4).
  • Strawberries – rich in vitamin C to support immune system (5).
  • Raspberries – contain quercetin that supports heart health, specifically blood pressure (6).
  • Tomatoes – full of lycopene, a photochemical shown to support prostate and cardiovascular health (7).

 

Looking for Personalized Nutrition?

While focusing on nutritious fruits and veggies is important for your health, you might also benefit from a personalized supplement regimen. Whether you know which vitamins you want or you need a little help with determining which ones are best suited for you, we’ve got you covered. You can take our free 3 to 5-minute assessment for personalized vitamin recommendations based on your health and lifestyle. Or for an even faster way, try our convenient Essential pre-packs—our most popular vitamins based on your top concerns. Ready to have the right vitamins for you delivered right to your door? Get Recommendations or See Essential Packs.

Sources:

 

  1. Barański M, Srednicka-tober D, Volakakis N, et al. Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses. Br J Nutr. 2014;112(5):794-811.
  2. Locke E, Coronado GD, Thompson B, Kuniyuki A. Seasonal variation in fruit and vegetable consumption in a rural agricultural community. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(1):45-51.
  3. Willis LM, Shukitt-hale B, Joseph JA. Recent advances in berry supplementation and age-related cognitive decline. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009;12(1):91-4.
  4. Demaeyer EM. The WHO programme of prevention and control of vitamin A deficiency, xerophthalmia and nutritional blindness. Nutr Health. 1986;4(2):105-12.
  5. Ströhle A, Hahn A. [Vitamin C and immune function]. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009;32(2):49-54.
  6. Zahedi M, Ghiasvand R, Feizi A, Asgari G, Darvish L. Does Quercetin Improve Cardiovascular Risk factors and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(7):777-85.
  7. Chen P, Zhang W, Wang X, et al. Lycopene and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(33):e1260.

 

This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.
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