25 Summer-Friendly Fruits

My article in oneindia.com :  http://www.boldsky.com/health/nutrition/2013/summer-friendly-fruits-032891.html

It’s the sunny summer season again. You are ready with your new summer costumes and summer cosmetics. Probably you might have done the home interiors also summer ready. But do you know that you have to make a change in your diet too? Making your diet summer friendly will keep you energetic and healthy throughout this summer. Fruits are the main focus for summer freshness. Here are some fruits that you should try this summer.

25 Summer-Friendly Fruits   

1.      Watermelon: As the name indicates, it contains high water content which will keep you hydrated and cool this summer. It contains lycopene, which can protect skin cells from sun damage.

2.      Oranges: This citrus fruit will provide potassium and will replenish the potassium lost through sweat. This will help you to keep muscle cramps away.

3.      Grapes: Grapes are excellent in quenching hunger and thirst. It is also well-known for its blood cleansing property. A phytochemical called resveratrol can prevent cancer, heart conditions and degenerative nerve disease.

4.      Pineapple: This fruit contains an enzyme called as bromelian which help to digest both proteins and fats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple will be an excellent choice this summer.

5.      Mango:  Mango is known as the king of all the fruits in India. Mango contains high amount of Iron and selenium. Mango in raw form increases appetite and it will fight acidity.

6.      Strawberries: Having any of the berries, especially strawberries  can resolve UTI, which is common in summer season and it has antioxidant property.

7.      Lemon: Lemon is another important citrus fruit to try this summer. It can be taken as juice with sugar or salt. Quench your thirst and get a bundle of vitamin C with a lemon.

8.      Apricots: Apricots are harvested in late spring and in early summer. It is rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, and iron, and has high fibre content.

9.      Cherries: Bright red cherries are tasty and nutritious with enzymes and vitamins. Chilling can enhance the flavour of cherries and will make it perfect as a summer fruit.

10.  Banana: Banana is a highly nutritious food with very high amount of potassium. It is rich in iron and will keep you active and energetic.

11.  Peaches: Peaches are rich sources of beta carotene and contain good amount of vitamin C. This fruit with a smooth skin and sweet aroma is an excellent fruit to taste this summer.

12.  Gooseberries: Do not avoid gooseberries. It is rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

13.  Blackberries: The blackberry fruit contains polyphenol antioxidants which are powerful enough to act against free radicals. It is easily available in summer and is recommended to be included in your fruit basket this summer.

14.  Papaya: Papaya is sweet and fleshy with enzymes papain and chymopapain which helps with the digestion of proteins.

15.  Cantaloupes – Cantaloupe is another wonderful choice for this summer season. Remember to select one that smells sweet and slightly musky to enjoy the complete taste.

16.  Honeydew melon: This is an unavoidable fruit when summer fruits are considered. It is the sweetest of all melons when ripe with high amount of water. Honeydew is rich in source of provitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium and zinc

17.  Guava: Guava fruits are sodium free with low fat and calories. It also contains vitamin C and will help to prevent cough, cold, diarrhoea, dysentery, etc. which are more common during summer season.

18.  Tender coconut: It is good to quench your hunger and thirst. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. It will keep you hydrated and healthy.

19.  Ogens: Ogens are yellowish-orange softball-size melons which will make your summer fresh and tasty. The flesh of ogens is well known for its delicate honey like flavour.

20.  Figs: Figs are a high source of potassium. Figs will boost up your health and will keep you full of life this summer.

21.  Canary melon: These bright yellow Canary melons are refreshing and provide high amounts of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C with lower calorie.

22.  Litchi: Litchi contains protein, vitamins, fat, citric acid, pectin, phosphorus and iron. Litchi is juicy and sweet, with a soft flesh and good taste.

23.  Plums: plums are rich in dietary fibre, which helps in easy digestion. It contains vitamin C in good amounts which will strengthen your immune system to prevent any contagious diseases during this summer.

24.  Kiwi: Kiwi is not so sweet as other fruits, but it is a rich source of vitamin C. It contains twice the amount of vitamin C than in orange.

25.  Nectarines: They are fuzz-less peaches. It has a huge source of antioxidants which can help to prevent skin damage by UV rays by counteracting free radical movement.

.