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Top 20 Summer Fruits and How to Add Them to Your Diet

The AHA! Team — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:18:41 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – In the summertime, things get a whole lot more colorful, including your plates. With so many fruits and vegetables in season throughout the warmer months, it’s time to crowd those meals with fresh, delicious and nutrient-rich summer fruits. They can be added to salads, spreads, smoothies, cocktails, sauces and desserts and are at peak flavor. These tart, sweet and juicy foods have never made it so easy to eat seasonally and keep it healthy, too. 1. Strawberries Strawberries are one of the most well-loved fruits and during the summer months, as we get to enjoy them right off the vine. They are sweet, juicy and can easily be incorporated into recipes. Plus, strawberry nutrition is quite impressive, offering plenty of vitamin C that will meet your daily quota with just one to two cups. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that work as one of the body’s first lines of defense against disease. One fun way to get in your strawberries is a strawberry lemonade mocktail. 2. Blueberries Blueberries are considered a superfood, and for good reason. These antioxidant-rich berries help fight harmless free radicals in the body. Because they also provide dietary fiber, blueberries can help with weight loss by moving slowly through the digestive tract and improving satiety, and they’re known to help improve glucose management and memory, too. 3. Raspberries For many people, raspberries are a summer favorite. They are loaded in phytonutrients that provide their dark red color and health benefits. Like most berries, raspberry nutrition has been shown to boost heart health and metabolism, while easing inflammation. 4. Blackberries Blackberries are known as one of the top antioxidant foods, and they are rich in important nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Among the many health benefits of blackberries are their ability to boost immunity and protect the body from chronic inflammation. 5. Mango Mango is a tropical fruit that’s described as a cross between a peach and pineapple. It provides over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. It also features fiber, which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, promote digestive health and improve satiety. 6. Papaya Papaya is native to the tropics and grown in subtropic areas of the United States. It provides enzyme compounds that can help the body break down and use proteins properly. Research shows that this makes papaya beneficial for digestion, and it also helps slow signs of aging (because of its vitamin C and vitamin A content), fight viral infections and boost heart health. 7. Pineapple Pineapples are propagated year-round, but the best time of year to buy the fruit is during the spring and summer months. Pineapple is nutrient-rich, offering a good supply of vitamin C, manganese, thiamine and vitamin B6. Studies indicate that the benefits of pineapple include its ability to boost immune system, heart and digestive health. 8. Plums Plums are in the same fruit family as cherries and peaches, and their taste ranges from tart to sweet. Like all summer fruits, they are an excellent source of antioxidants and provide dietary fiber, allowing plums to improve satiety and help with weight loss or maintenance. Plum benefits also include their ability to support cognitive health with its phytonutrients. 9. Peaches Peaches are a favorite summer fruit that have a fuzzy skin and sweet, juicy flavor. They provide a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, and studies have shown they can help reduce inflammation. Peaches also contain the powerful antioxidant lutein, which helps to protect eye and skin health. 10. Nectarines Nectarines are genetically identical to peaches, but they have a smooth skin and range in color. They, too, provide antioxidants, enhance eye health and strengthen the immune system. The nectarine is also related to pears, raspberries and apricots. 11. Apricots This summer fruit has a tart flavor and distinct color. Not only does it make an excellent ingredient in jams and baked goods, but apricot nutrition is also quite impressive. It’s a good source of fiber and even provides some protein, along with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin K. 12. Cherries There’s something about serving a bowl of cherries that reminds you of summertime. Cherries have preventative health benefits because of their bioactive components, which include the antioxidants anthocyanin and cyanidin, along with melatonin, a molecule that has proven to be critical for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. 13. Watermelon Watermelon is a summertime staple that’s cool and hydrating. Perhaps the most well-known watermelon benefits are its ability to aid hydration, digestion and detoxification, being that it’s about 91 percent water, and that it helps you get rid of excess fluids in the body. Watermelon can also help with weight loss because it promotes satiety and curbs cravings. 14. Honeydew Honeydew is a sweet and creamy summer fruit that hits its peak season in late summer through early winter. It contains carotenoids, including phytoene and beta-carotene, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 15. Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is one of the highest fruit sources of vitamin A, and it also provides vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber. Cantaloupe nutrition boasts beneficial carotenoids that boost immune system function and help prevent heart disease, too. 16. Kiwi One cup of kiwi provides a huge amount of vitamin C, making it one of the most phytonutrient-rich summer fruits. Kiwi supplies 20 vital nutrients, and eating it helps counteract aging and improve skin health. Research suggests that eating vitamin C-rich kiwi also improves respiratory health. 17. Apples Apples are available from late July to November, with different varieties ready for harvest at different times. From Red Delicious to Fuji and Granny Smith, apples come in several colors and flavors, making them one of the most versatile summer fruits. When it comes to apple nutrition, the fruit provides fiber, vitamin C, potassium and more, making apples a great food for aiding digestion, fighting inflammation and helping with weight management. 18. Oranges Did you know that oranges are a good source of B vitamins, including folate, thiamine, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid? They also provide antioxidants that boost immunity, skin health and brain function. You can take advantage of orange nutrition by using its juice or peel in summer recipes, from salads to juices. 19. Pawpaw Perhaps the lesser known summer fruit in the bunch, pawpaw fruit boasts a creamy texture and sweet flavor, which is often described as a combination of pineapple, banana and mango. It’s an excellent source of manganese, copper, iron and magnesium, making it a great food for promoting bone health and healthy digestion. It can also help with maintaining blood sugar control. 20. Lemons and limes How can you talk about summer fruits without mentioning lemons and limes? For starters, they are both used in water to make it more detoxifying, plus these citrus fruits have been shown to help enhance immunity and heart health. Adding lemons and limes to your diet can boost weight loss and fight free radical damage, too. How to add to diet There are so many ways to add summer fruits to your diet, especially on those hot, sticky days. They are cooling, refreshing and hydrating, and they can be used in a range of dishes, from enhanced waters to marinades. Here are some things you can make with these fruits: fresh juices smoothies jams and spreads marinades salads ice pops cocktails/mocktails baked goods (pies, cakes, cobblers, etc) parfaits muffins oatmeal bakes or instant oats fruit bars Need some recipes to get you started? Here are some of our favorites: Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie Lemon Raspberry Sorbet Healthy, Homemade Coconut Crumble Strawberry Lime Mojito Cheesecake Baked Spiced Apple Rings Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe Mango Walnut Spinach Salad Quinoa Salad with Dark Cherries and Kale Risks and side effects Eating fresh fruits is generally considered safe and healthy, but it is possible to have a fruit allergy or sensitivity. If you experience a rash or hives, itchiness, upset stomach, or flushed skin after eating a fruit, stop eating it immediately, and consider getting yourself checked for an allergy. While eating fruit is part of a healthy, balanced diet, stick to consuming it in moderation. It does provide carbohydrates and sugars, so it’s possible to go overboard on fruit if you eat it excessively. Conclusion There’s something about summertime that calls for snacking on fresh fruits and adding them into as many meals as possible. Summer fruits are at their peak flavor between June and August, and they provide a slew of nutrients, including powerful antioxidants. Eating summer fruits throughout the season will give you plenty of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, potassium and more, so find new ways to add these sweet foods to your meals and enjoy. To read the original article click here.

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Top 12 Winter Fruits for Health (+How to Add Them to Your Diet)

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:06:55 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – What are examples of winter fruits? Here are the top winter fruits to add your diet. Eating seasonally may feel a bit tougher to pull off in the winter — however, the benefits of this approach by eating winter fruits and vegetables are still the same, including a higher intake of certain nutrients, help supporting local farmers, plus better taste and value. While farmers markets open in the spring, summer and fall tend to draw in the largest crowds, those that remain open during the coldest months of the year still have plenty to offer. Which fruits grow in winter? Winter fruits in season include those in the citrus fruit family, like oranges and grapefruit, as well as kiwi and winter melon. Those aren’t all either. By emphasizing cold-weather produce in your diet, you’ll obtain important nutrients that support your immune system and more, such as vitamin C, fiber and magnesium. Top 12 winter fruits The availability of winter fruits in different regions depends on the specific temperature, as well as the use of farming methods, such as greenhouses and hoop houses that help crops grow in cooler climates. In tropical regions, such as those located close to the equator, it’s possible to grow many fruits year-round, such as bananas, coconut and avocado. But in much of North America, the range of fruits available in the dead of winter is a bit more limited. What are examples of winter fruits? Here are the top winter fruits to add your diet: 1. Oranges There are many types of oranges in existence, including cara cara, navel, mandarin, minneola, blood oranges and others. Some types are available year-round, but in the U.S., oranges are in peak season during the winter, when they grow abundantly in states such as Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. They’re more well-known for providing lots of vitamin C, but oranges are also rich in flavonoids, such as hesperidin. 2. Clementines Clementines are basically small oranges. They are technically types of mandarin oranges that are made from crossing two different orange species. In stores they’re sometimes called “halos” or “cuties” and tend to be sold in big boxes or bags. They’re popular among children since they’re easy to peel and often seedless, and they’re a great way to obtain vitamin C. 3. Tangerines Tangerines are types of sweet oranges that tend to be smaller than bigger types, such as cara caras and navels. Like other oranges, they provide vitamin C and a host of other nutrients. 4. Grapefruits Much like other citrus fruits, grapefruits grow in the U.S. predominately in California, Texas, Florida and Arizona. They are in season usually from January to the late spring. Grapefruit is high in vitamin C plus vitamin A, as well as health-promoting phytochemicals like lycopene and beta-carotene, limonoids like limonin, and flavonoids like naringenin. These have the ability to fight free radical damage and oxidative stress that contribute to aging and chronic disease development. 5. Kumquat Kumquats are tiny citrus fruits that have a sweet and tart flavor. Hailing from the same family of plants as the orange, kumquats are one of the best sources of vitamin C and fiber. Unlike other citrus fruits, kumquats can be consumed with the skin on. Although the pulp has a distinctly sour flavor, the skin actually provides an extra dose of sweetness and is full of protective compounds. 6–7. Lemons and limes While you can find lemons and limes in grocery stores all year, certain types, such as Meyer lemons, are in season in the middle of winter. Meyer lemons are described as sweeter than regular lemons and are often used in baking and cocktails. There are many reasons to enjoy lemons and limes. For instance, they’re full of acidic flavor but low in calories and generally low in sugar. They also provide powerful flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and hesperidin. 8. Kiwi Kiwi is a small, fuzzy fruit with a seedy, green inside that is harvested in winter through spring. It’s exceptionally high in vitamin C — plus it provides a good amount of vitamin K in addition to potassium and vitamin E. 9. Winter melon Winter melon, also called ash gourd, is an excellent source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamin C. This melon has a dark green color and an oblong shape. The flesh of the fruit is white, as are the seeds, but unlike most fruits, it cannot be consumed raw. Instead, it’s typically simmered or steamed and treated more like a vegetable than a fruit in Asian and Indian recipes. 10. Pomegranates Pomegranate is a red, sweet and sour fruit that is filled with many small seeds. The seeds contain tons of antioxidants, as does pomegranate juice, including flavonoids that are linked to cancer prevention, detoxification, heart health and more. This fruit is also high in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and potassium. 11. Cranberries Cranberries are red winter berries that are high in antioxidants and nutrients associated with prevention of some cancers, infections, markers of heart diseases and inflammation. These include compounds such as anthocyanins, quercetin, benzoic acid and epicatechins. Additionally, cranberries provide vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and vitamin K. 12. Persimmon Persimmon is a round, orange fruit native to Asia that’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. It also contains antioxidants, such as gallic acid and epicatechin gallate, two compounds that are associated with health perks such as reducing cholesterol levels, inflammation and high blood pressure. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, depending on your location, other fruits available in the winter can include: Apples Pears Pineapple Bananas Papaya Passion fruit Coconut Avocados Currants Pomelo Winter squash Dates Mosambi Indian jujube Strawberries Health benefits Adding winter fruits, such as oranges, cranberries, pomegranate and kiwi, to your diet is a great way to boost your vitamin C and antioxidant intake. Here’re more about the benefits of eating winter fruits: High in vitamin C — This essential nutrient and antioxidant helps support immunity, provides cancer-fighting properties, and improves brain, skin and heart health. Good sources of vitamin A — Vitamin A is another antioxidant that is tied to eye/vision health, cardiovascular health and skin health. Provide fiber — Dietary fiber found in fruit is needed for digestive and gut health. Fiber helps prevent constipation, keeps your appetite in check, supports healthy cholesterol levels and “feeds” friendly probiotic microbes living in your gut microbiome. Support healthy cognitive function— Antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols found in fruits have been shown to boost brain function and decrease cognitive decline. Can help support cardiovascular health — Fruits such as grapefruit and pomegranate can help keep cholesterol levels within a healthy range and decrease levels of systolic blood pressure, which may help protect against heart disease and stroke. May help fight cancer — Citrus fruits, kiwi and others are jam-packed with beneficial compounds that fight oxidative stress to protect against cell damage. Antioxidants are thought to play a central role in health and disease, with some research showing that they could aid in the prevention of many chronic conditions, including cancer. Protect bones — Some fruits provide minerals that help fortify your bones, such as potassium and vitamin C. Protect against kidney stones — Some fruits can help increase levels of citrate in the urine to prevent the formation of kidney stones. May help with weight loss — Winter fruits have a high water content and are low in calories yet brimming with fiber, making them a great choice if you’re looking to fill up on less calories. Help heal injuries faster and reduce joint pain — Cranberries, pomegranate and other fruits have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support healing of connective tissues. Reduce the risk of infections — Antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds found in winter fruits can help kill bad bacteria and naturally help treat urinary tract infections, bladder infections and even acne. How to add to diet Winter fruits can be enjoyed in many ways, such as by simply peeling and eating them as a snack, juicing them, adding them to fruit salads, or sectioning them and enjoying with some yogurt or cottage cheese and granola. If you find citrus fruits like grapefruit to be a bit too sour, try topping with a small amount of raw honey. Other uses for citrus fruits, including grapefruit, blood oranges, lemons and limes, include adding them to mocktails or low-sugar cocktails, marmalades, and healthy desserts, like key lime pie, orange cake or lemon muffins. Lemon and lime juice also help zest up the flavor of salad dressings, marinades, fresh pressed juices, smoothies and more. Cranberries are a great addition to poultry, meat or fish, along with sauces and jams. Pomegranate seeds have a healthy snack, are great on oatmeal or with yogurt, and can be juiced to make a healing beverage. Here are recipe ideas using some of the winter fruits listed above: Cranberry Apple Cider Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie Chia Spiced Chia Seed Pudding with Pomegranate Seeds Orange Tahini Dressing Healthy Key Lime Pie Secret Detox Drink Beet and Pomegranate Salad Recipe Orange Carrot Ginger Juice Keep in mind that aside from winter fruits, you’ll also benefit from consuming winter vegetables, such as: broccoli Brussels sprouts endive cabbage beets celeriac Risks and side effects Although fruits are associated with a long list of benefits, it’s important to remember that fruits also contain a high amount of sugar and not much protein or healthy fats, so eating them as part of a balanced diet is best. Compared to whole fruit, fruit juice is also significantly higher in calories, which can contribute to weight gain. Therefore, it’s best to opt for whole fruit over fruit juice whenever possible. Citrus fruits also contain a much higher amount of citric acid than non-citrus fruit, which can erode tooth enamel over time and increase the risk of developing cavities. For this reason, it’s important to keep your intake in moderation and enjoy a variety of other fruits. Certain types of fruit may also interact with medications. Specifically, grapefruit, tangelos and Seville oranges contain a chemical known as furanocoumarin, which can block the activity of a specific enzyme needed to break down some medications, such as statins and benzodiazepines. If you take any prescription medications, be sure to talk to a trusted healthcare professional before consuming new fruits to prevent interactions. Additionally, keep in mind that kiwi allergies are somewhat common and responsible for 10 percent of all food allergy reactions in children. People with allergies to latex and other fruits like avocados and bananas should be especially cautious. Conclusion Are any fruits in season in winter? Yes — these include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and tangerines, plus kiwi, pomegranate, winter melon and cranberries. Studies show that these fruits may help improve digestive health, boost brain function, increase weight loss, combat cancer cell growth, prevent kidney stones and enhance heart health. While some fruits can be juiced, whole fruits should be prioritized over fruit juice, as juices are generally higher in calories and sugar but lower in fiber. Besides enjoying fruits as a simple snack, try adding these fruits to healthy desserts, oats, yogurt bowls, salads, side dishes and smoothies, just like you would with summer fruits. To read the original article click here.

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Healthy, Homemade Coconut Peach Crumble Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 07:00:53 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – When you think dessert, fruit isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. However, this coconut peach crumble puts peaches front and center in a sweet treat, even if it’s not necessarily the part of the recipe everyone looks forward to most. Let’s get honest for a bit here. The best part about any type of fruit crumble is not the fruit, though it is delicious. It’s the crumble! Browned and crunchy with just enough coconut sugar and butter, the crumble can make or break a dessert. Luckily, in this coconut peach crumble recipe, our favorite topping is definitely delicious. Key Ingredients With coconut sugar, vanilla and almond extracts and sliced almonds, this crumble tastes great but is also free from any icky ingredients. We can’t forget about our peaches, either! These tasty fruits are a nice change from the typical apple crumble — or my no-bake apple crisp — and using coconut sugar adds a lot of extra flavor. You can definitely use canned peaches (the type without sugar syrup) in this coconut peach crumble, but don’t forget to make it again when peaches are in season! Did I mention the main players are also healthy ingredients? It’s true. Almonds: One of the healthiest nuts around, almonds are rich in protein, healthy fats and a slew of vitamins and minerals. As such, they help support the heart, brain, skin, gut and more. Coconut sugar: While you don’t want to overdo it with coconut sugar, it is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar and tends to be easier on the gut. Peaches: Providing a burst of vitamins C and A, along with potassium, magnesium and iron, peaches can boost immunity, combat inflammation and help keep certain diseases at bay. Serve this dessert at your next party or after Sunday dinner, and get ready for the compliments. How to Make Coconut Peach Crumble Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a pie pan or baking dish with either coconut oil or butter — baker’s choice. Place all the filling ingredients (peaches through tapioca starch) in a bowl, and combine them gently with your hands. Then add them to the baking dish, cover aluminum foil and slide into the oven for the next 10 minutes. To keep this coconut peach crumble moving, we’re going to start multitasking and prepare the crumble while the peaches bake. Start by heating water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the water is hot, add in the coconut sugar, and swirl the pan around to melt it. Simmer the coconut sugar for eight minutes. Then add in the butter, salt, and vanilla and almond extracts, and stir it all up. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add in your almonds and coconut shreds, giving it a good stir as well. Your peaches should be done by now. Get them out of the oven, and remove the foil. This is the most difficult step of the recipe: Do not eat the peaches (yet). Resist the urge, and instead, top them with the waiting crumble. Send them back into the oven for another 20–25 minutes or until the coconut peach crumble is bubbly and screaming, “Eat me!” Remove the coconut peach crumble from the oven, and let it sit for 15 minutes. I might have lied — this is the hardest part. Giving the dessert a chance to settle before carving it up means it’ll taste that much better. Top with my coconut whipped cream or just devour as is. This crumble keeps well in the fridge for up to five days — that is if it lasts that long. Enjoy! Healthy, Homemade Coconut Peach Crumble Recipe DESCRIPTION With coconut sugar, vanilla and almond extracts and sliced almonds, this coconut peach crumble tastes great and has no icky ingredients. INGREDIENTS 3 cups sliced or chunked peaches 2 tablespoons coconut sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice *optional ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons tapioca starch Crumble Topping: 3 tablespoons water 3/4 cup coconut sugar ½ stick butter ⅛ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract ½ cup sliced almonds ½ cup coconut shreds INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a deep dish 9” pie pan or 8 x 8 glass pan with coconut oil or butter. Place all filling ingredients in a bowl and gently combine. Pour into baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. While the peaches are baking, make the crumble topping. Directions for Crumble Topping: Heat water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add coconut sugar and swirl pan to melt sugar. Simmer over low heat for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Add butter, salt and extracts, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and add almonds and coconut shreds. Remove peaches from oven and carefully remove foil. Top peaches with crumble and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until dessert is bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before eating. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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