Biggest Winner Recipes

Optimize Your Nutrition in the Summer!

http://www.health.uab.edu/16172/

 

Debbie Strong MBA, RD
Amy Miskimon

Summer is a great time of the year for buying seasonal produce. The markets and grocery stores are packed with freshly picked fruits and vegetables you will only see this time of year for such great prices. Not only are these fruits and vegetables easier on the wallet but also packed with vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients that will help you optimize your nutrition this summer.
Change up your family’s dinner routine by adding some fun new recipes including these delicious summer vegetables such as summer squash or eggplant. You can never go wrong with a fresh salad topped with some fresh summer tomatoes. Listed below are some fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients and are easy to find during the summer months.
Blueberries: Blueberries are unique to some other fruits because they are packed with antioxidants which may help counteract heart disease, cancers, and other types of illnesses. This powerhouse fruit is also high in fiber and vitamin C. They peak at late summer.
Pineapple: While this fruit is available year round, the peak buying season is between March and July. This is a fruit high in Vitamin C and it also contains an enzyme that relieves indigestion.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a good source of vitamin A and C and also contains some iron. There peak time is from mid-June to late August.
Peaches and Nectarines: These fruits are a good source of Vitamin A and fiber (with the skin). A peach also contains some Niacin, a B vitamin, which is involved in the synthesis of DNA, and helps to maintain the normal function of your skin, nerves, and digestive system.
Summer Squash: This vegetable comes in a variety of sizes and shapes that are great in casseroles and dishes. Squash supplies a moderate amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber.
Eggplant: This oddball vegetable is actually part of the berry family. This plant is great for lighter dishes in the summer clocking in at only 13 calories per half a cup and is composed of mostly water.

Tomatoes: Known for their vitamin C content, tomatoes are one of America’s favorite ingredient for recipes in the summer. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of some cancers.