Beating the hot and sticky atmosphere, the heat could seem to be hopeless during summer. But at the same time, we are blessed with cheap ripe and delicious summer fruits that are elementary to the season. Some of these summer fruits are not only delicious but also keeps us fresh, cool and hydrated. In a way, they are our respite from the summer heat.
Let’s ensure that this summer, we eat these summer fruits and reap many benefits:
Watermelon: Thirst quencher
This fruit cannot be missed out in summers and is an amazing thirst quencher. This fruit t is a powerhouse of nutrients (minerals, vitamins, amino acids, lycopene, and antioxidants). Consuming watermelon helps us stay cool and refreshed. With 90% water contents, your body will stay hydrated. It is a great skin protector and helps to protect against sunburns. watermelon is one such summer fruits that you can consume every day with guilt.
Oranges: Powerpacked with Vitamin C
Oranges are an amazing powerhouse of nutrients, these super juicy and naturally sweetened fruits are low in calories, helps to keep your blood pressure under control. It is a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps in the protection of skin from damages by harmful sun rays. It is not only the fruit that you can consume, but the orange peel also has amazing benefits and is wonderful for your skin. It helps the skin tone to lighten and protect against shades and scars.
Litchi: storage house of vitamin C and antioxidants
Litchis are exquisitely sweet fruit arrives little late in the summers. It is hydrating, refreshing and packed with nutrients like vitamin B and C and also with minerals like magnesium and potassium. It is great for those who get asthmatic fits. Its cancer-fighting abilities are something that makes it a great summer delight. The rich nutrients aid proper blood circulation. It prevents signs of aging and is good for the hairs as well.
Amla: Immunity Booster
Quite typical to the Indian subcontinent, Amla is loaded with the goodness of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants apart from being cooling and refreshing. A great to beat the summer heat as it helps in protecting the skin from sun damage by improving our skin health. Amla is referred to as great foods source for the heart problem, menstrual cramps and against diabetics in Ayurveda.
Mangoes: King of fruits
No summer can be complete with the mention of mangoes and that is why it is also referred to as the “king of fruits”. You cannot miss out on a mango shake in the summers. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, they are a great source of different minerals and beta-carotene. It is pulpy in nature with high fluid contents and helps fight against severe diseases like cancers. Alike oranges, mangoes are also great for the skin.
Pomegranates: Powerhouse of antioxidants
Pomegranates are regarded as the healthiest food on earth. Native to the Indian subcontinent, pomegranates are rich sources of fibers, proteins, folate, potassium, vitamin C and K. It has numerous medicinal benefits too. The fruit has potential anti-inflammatory qualities which are great against serious ailments like diabetes and cancers. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal character helps you fight against many infections and diseases that are typical to the summer months. Let us fight against infection with this summer fruit.
Blueberries: King of antioxidants
It is said that there are more antioxidants in blueberries than in a bottle full of pills. Eat them fresh and you have it all. The anthocyanin in blueberries has it all that experts have high praise for. It has the ability to defend everything from summer heat to cancers and longevity. Blueberries are also a rich source of vitamin C and fibers.
Papaya: Digestion regulator
One fruit that you can eat in any form – raw or ripped. It not only quenches your thirst but also helps to keep you full and satisfied. It is a meal itself. Papayas are great for digestion, heart health and help improving fertility. Rich in enzymes, papaya is great summer fruits to have.
Staying hydrated during summers is the first way to challenge the heat. The heat makes us lose water from the body through sweat and precipitation. Having these healthy, delicious and great summer fruits will ensure that we stay hydrated. Get all the benefits from its rich sources of nutrients and above all – beat the summer heat.
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Dietitian Ashu Gupta (Founder of Ashu Gupta’s Diet Clinic)
Dietitian Ashu Gupta is the founder of Ashu Gupta’s Diet Clinic and an acclaimed dietician and nutritionist. Ashu Gupta holds a post-graduate degree in Dietetics and Food Service Management. She has gained experience in diverse segments like hospitals and food services within corporate and as well as community settings.
She is an active member of Indian Diabetic Association. She is appraised for her contributions with the Best Dietician Award. Later she is honored with the Developing Country Sponsorship Award at Lulfost 17th World Congress on Food Science and Technology at Montreal, CANADA.
Her research papers of affluent adolescents in selected schools of Gurgaon are being followed in AIIMS, New Delhi. She is an active and regular invitee to Medical conference on causes and preventions of various lifestyle diseases.