Fruit and Your Health

When I think of summer, what usually comes to mind is BBQ, beach, beers and fresh fruit! Believe it or not, fruit is not just a tasty treat, it also has some great help benefits. I make it a personal rule to have AT LEAST 4 servings of fruit a day, whether it be in the form of an apple, some banana slices on toast, or even a fruit salad. In this post, I'm going to highlight some popular summer fruits that have some awesome health benefits!!

Cherries: Whether pitted or not, this fun to eat fruit is loaded with health rewards. This super fruit helps to protect your body against Alzheimer's, combats hypertension and stroke, fights cardiovascular disease and even helps you sleep better. So next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a carton of cherries and enjoy the benefits!!

Grapes: Although they can cost an arm and a leg, grapes have health benefits that outweigh the small price you pay at the register. Due to their amazing hydrating power, grapes increase the moisture in the lungs which reduces asthma attacks. They also have the ability to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue and even macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.

Watermelon: The quintessential fruit of the summer. Contrary to popular belief that watermelon is purely sugar and water, it actually contains a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. On a hot summer day, watermelon is a great way to keep you hydrated because it is made up of 92% water and is also full of electrolytes. It's also great for reducing muscle soreness and improving recovery times after exercise.

Mangoes: This delicious fruit has cancer-preventing abilities due to its antioxidant compounds, can also aid in the lowering of cholesterol via the high levels of fiber, vitamin C and pectin, and is also helpful is clearing your skin via clearing clogged pores and eliminating pimples. Who doesn't want acne-free summer skin?!?

Blueberries: These little guys actually have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit which boosts your immune system and prevents against infections. They also aid in reducing belly fat, promoting a healthy urinary tract, preserving your vision, as well as brain health and heart disease.

So next time you're invited to a BBQ or a birthday party, be the one who shows up with the platter of all these amazing fruits--your friends will thank you, and their bodies will thank you too!

ENJOY!!