Thanks to the season’s bountiful harvest, summer is the ideal time to load up on superfoods, many of which are at their most delicious this time of year. “Superfoods” are generally considered to be those that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids or other compounds that are beneficial to your health.
So grab your tote and head to the farmer’s market. It’s time to load up on our favorite summertime superfoods while they’re at the height of their availability and flavor.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing summertime superfood due to its high water content, and it contains plenty of beneficial bioactive compounds, too. “Composed of about 92% water, watermelon is excellent for hydration and provides key vitamins such as A and C, along with potassium and magnesium,” says Johnson. “Watermelon is one of the few foods that naturally contains citrulline, an amino acid that contributes to relaxed blood vessels and improved blood flow.”
Some research suggests that watermelon-derived citrulline may enhance vascular function, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. Like tomatoes, watermelon also is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, says Johnson.
Tomatoes
Nothing says summer quite like a tomato fresh from the vine. “Tomatoes are considered a superfood due to their high content of bioactive compounds, particularly lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with a range of health benefits,” says Stephani Johnson, DCN, RDN, an adjunct professor in the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions. “Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber, all of which contribute to immune, heart and metabolic health.”
Research has found that higher tomato and lycopene intake is associated with significantly reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. “Additionally, research supports the beneficial impact of tomatoes and their bioactive components on other conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes,” says Johnson.
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