The summer months are approaching at what seems an incredible speed.
The promises of warmer weather, barbeques, pool parties, and more time to spend outdoors has many people starting to breathe a little deeper and take more time and space to enjoy themselves, their family and friends.
I love the summer months for these reasons and many more, including the plush and abundant farmer’s market. I often refer to the phrase, “eat a rainbow often,” when it comes to creating a plate of vegetables or fruits to encourage choosing at least 3 different colors. When walking through the farmer’s market, I always find the rainbow of colors so beautiful and vibrant!
In the theme of enjoying the beautiful colors, delicious flavors and many health benefits of the summer fruit and vegetables; here are a few fruits from the rainbow to include in your summer fueling selections that are great to pair with vegetables, nuts, quinoa and grilled protein.
STRAWBERRIES:
On average, there are 200 tiny seeds on every strawberry. These berries boast high amounts of vitamin C and folate. Folate helps the body make new cells and synthesize DNA.
How to Select:
- Choose shiny, firm strawberries with a bright red color.
- Caps should be fresh, green and intact.
- Avoid shriveled, mushy or leaky berries.
BLUEBERRIES:
Early American colonists made grey paint by boiling blueberries in milk. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber; good source of vitamin C. New studies relate consumption of blueberries and improved memory and brain health.
CHERRIES:
Health benefits of cherries include: Better sleep, rich in antioxidants, the anthrocyanins may help regulate genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism which reduced risk factors such as high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.
Tart cherries provide cardiovascular benefits. The anthocyanins, which are the pigments giving tart cherries its red color, may activate PPAR which regulates genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism and thus, reduce risk factors for high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.
Nutrition affects all areas of your Life! We believe that functional nutrition can boost the success of your results by using a science based approach matched to your goals. You will improve your overall quality of life using this approach.
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