Summer is just around the corner, and with the season comes deliciously healthy seasonal produce. Eating fruits and vegetables in season is the best way to eat them, as they contain all the nutrition and flavor that nature intended.
There is a lot of produce in season during the summer, but several of them taste exceptionally good during the month of June. “This time of year we are looking for color,” says Tara O’Brady, author of the new book Seven Spoons: My Favorite Recipes for Any and Every Day.
Let’s take a look at 6 foods that taste better in June.
1. Asparagus:
It is a great source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C. Antioxidants help reduce the damage of free radicals, which are known to cause disease. Asparagus is also rich in B-vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds like asparanin A, sarsasapogenin, protodioscin, and diosgenin. Asparagus is great for heart health and promoting good bacteria in the digestive system. It is typically thicker around June and more nationally available.
2. Beets:
They are high in antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and manganese. Beets have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and lower blood pressure. They also have compounds called betalains, which help support the body’s natural detoxification process. Beets have a earthy taste in the summer along with some sweetness.
3. Garlic:
Garlic is nature’s powerful medicine. It helps lower cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Garlic has antibacterial properties, helps protect DNA, and may prevent certain cancer cells from spreading. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which bolsters the immune system. This potent herb aids in detoxification as well. Green garlic and spring garlic are in season during June, and it imparts a milder flavor to dishes. “You’ll often see this in farmers markets and CSA boxes, and it is edible from bulb to the tender part of the stalk,” says O’Brady.
4. Peaches:
They are high in dietary fiber, which according to research published by The Journal of the American Medical Association helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Another study from Texas A&M University shows that peaches may fight breast cancer as well. Because of the high dietary fiber, eating peaches may help with weight loss and diabetes. June is the best month to get these delicious, juicy fruits.
5. Peas:
They are widely available year around frozen, but eating peas in the spring and summer when they are in season is the best way to eat them. Peas and other legumes have potent cholesterol-lowering benefits. They have been recommended by the The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to lower blood pressure. Peas are also high in fiber and protein. “Take advantage of fresh peas at their peak,” says O’Brady. They are bright green and full of flavor towards the end of June.
6. Strawberries:
Strawberries may decrease risk of type-2 diabetes. One recent study showed that when consuming strawberries after consuming table sugar, the blood sugar spike from eating the table sugar was significantly reduced. They are very high in vitamin C, which is a potent ingredient for overall health and a strong immune system. Strawberries may also help with pain relief. The polyphenols in strawberries work similar to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin, by stopping the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which causes inflammation. June is when the most delicious varieties of strawberries are in season.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
DON’T FORGET to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get our latest articles, updates, free recipes and giveaways.
Best weight loss foods for the summer.
Iced apple lemonade for a slimmer summer body.
For a healthy summer drink.
How to lower you energy bill during the summer.
REFERENCES:
1. “Dietary Fiber Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer.” JAMA Network. American Medical Association, 14 Dec. 2005. Web. 15 June 2015.
2. “Identifying Peach and Plum Polyphenols with Chemopreventive Potential against Estrogen-Independent Breast Cancer Cells.” ACS Publications. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 28 May 2009. Web. 15 June 2015.
3. “Evaluation of Antiproliferative, Anti-Type 2 Diabetes, and Antihypertension Potentials of Ellagitannins from Strawberries.” Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 01 Oct. 2010. Web. 15 June 2015.
4. “6 Foods That Taste Better in June Than They Will All Year.” Time. Time, 1 June 2015. Web. 15 June 2015.
5. “6 Summer Foods That Will Taste Better in June.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 15 June 2015. Web. 15 June 2015.
