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Summer is here, and it’s time to feast on the freshest and most delicious summer fruits and vegetables. But with all those fresh fruits and veggies comes another summer challenge: How to keep them from spoiling before you can eat them? These desi fruits have a larger shelf life and can offer you ample nutrition to handle the harshest hot winds.
Health Shots got in touch with Dr Rohini Patil, a nutritionist, who lists 5 desi summer fruits that have a good shelf life and can be eaten throughout the summer season.
Here are 5 summer fruits that will help you stay cool in this season:
1. Watermelon
Summer’s favourite fruit, watermelon is a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and lycopene – an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer. Plus, watermelon contains amino acids like citrulline and arginine that can help increase nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow throughout your body.
2. Strawberries
“Strawberries are the perfect summer fruit. They’re sweet, juicy, and healthy. You’ll be surprised to know that they have more vitamin C than oranges and are an excellent source of fiber. They contain a lot of antioxidants that protect you from free radical damage. This keeps your skin fresh and protected from the summer heat,” says Patil, who is also the founder and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle.
3. Lemons
Lemons are very refreshing and can be used to make drinks and recipes that can be served during the summer season. When combined with warm water and honey (or other sweetener), lemons make a refreshing drink that helps fight off bacteria-causing infections such as colds, flu, or food poisoning. These are some commonly occurring health issues during the summer that can be averted by including lemon in your diet.
4. Bananas
Patil says, “Bananas in the summer are a boon for all those who are looking for a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. They are said to be the best fruit for digestion, as they contain pectin, which helps prevent constipation. Additionally, bananas are also rich in magnesium and copper, which help relax muscles and reduce stress.”
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are ideal for summer because they are very low in calories but high in water content and keep us hydrated during hot weather conditions. These green capsules should be on your summer grocery list because they’re refreshing and low in calories, plus they’re loaded with nutrients. The best way to get the most health benefits out of cucumbers is to eat them raw.
