Summer is the best time to heal your body!

21 Jun

I believe in the concept that we are what we eat. Therefore summer is the best time to heal your body from the junk food. June is about to end and we still have 2 more summer month ahead of us. I would recommend you to enjoy the real taste of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. They nourish our body with vitamins and minerals that will strengthen our health for the whole year. Natural products are better than any artificial or processed foods and are rich in water as well as have less calories, fat and cholesterol.

However, what do we know about fruits and vegetables that we buy to eat? What vitamins do they contain and what are they good for? Well, many studies have proven that fruits and vegetables in addition to being delicious have a positive effect on our health, like treatment for diabetes and/or cancer, and may prevent some heart problems. Nevertheless the best and the healthiest fruits and vegetables – are the seasonal once, since they are at the peak of their taste, usefulness and nourishment. In the summer it is: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, watermelon, plums, eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers. I would also recommend including in your diet beetroots, broccoli, corm, summer pumpkin, zucchini, green beans as well as lots of green salad and fresh dill and parsley.

In Russia we cook “Holodnik” special summer cold soup that contains beetroot, cucumber, eggs, and lots of dill based on kefir/sour cream and with addition of mineral water. It is really delicious when served with young fried potatoes. Nevertheless, today I would like to talk about 3 essential fruits that are essential in my family’s summer diet.

Blueberry or Bilberry has been used for many centuries for both medicine and nutrition purposes. As the old folk’s proverb narrates “the one who eats blueberries and wild strawberries will no need inseeing doctor”. The main secret that is has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Blueberry juice has a bactericidal effect and blueberries are very good for the eyes and when eaten regularly can improve your vision. As recent studies have shown, blueberries with the systematic use help to keep the brain young and avoid Alzheimer’s disease. These berries are good to eat fresh and can be used in combination with yogurt, added to dessert or ice-cream.

Those who love strawberries can finally enjoy the real taste and aroma of this delicious berry. Recent scientific discoveries suggest numerous benefits including medical properties to the health. Besides the positive effect on the cardiovascular system strawberries also normalize the metabolism in the body and have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the immune system. The chemical composition of this berry contains enough minerals and thanks to antioxidants, it has anti-cancer properties, while the aging process also slows down. Nowadays, women use strawberries for weight loss, applying various diets, which include this berry.

It is hard to meet a person who does not like bright and juicy berry – cherry. For a long time, cherry fruits have been used for medicinal purposes too. They are used as an excellent boost, which increases immunity.Cherries also protect the heart, reduce the risk respiratory diseases and cholesterol, relieveinflammation and the risk of developing diabetes. They contain lots of iron and vitamin B, folic acid, which helps against atherosclerosis, hypertension, anemia and nervous system disorders. Especially, eating cherries are recommended for pregnant women, since folic acid has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus. Cherries can be eaten separately, in fruit salads or as a jam.