(25-06-10) Enjoy SuperFood Nutrition for the Summer

by Dr. David Jockers, citizen journalist



Eating by the season is a key aspect to a healthy nutritional plan. Fruits
and vegetables are at their nutritional peak during their prime growing season.
Before the advent of refrigeration and the mass production and storage of foods
everyone had to eat by the availability of the season. This is natural and our
body is innately designed to eat in this matter. Different seasons have their
own unique qualities and energies. Summer foods tend to be lighter and cooler.
They also should be packed of fluid and hydration boosting minerals to take on
the heat & humidity of the summer.

Here are some top food suggestions for eating by the season this summer.

1. Avocados: This amazing fruit is very high in healthy oleic acid. This is a
monounsaturated fat that helps increase fat metabolism. It is also rich in the
powerful carotenoid anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin as well as Vitamin E
(tocopherol). These anti-oxidants decrease oxidative stress and allow for a
healthier cellular environment. Other critical components include ionic
potassium and folate. These elements are alkaline forming in the body, helping
to buffer acidic wastes that accumulate within the human tissue and
bloodstream.

Avocados are a terrific complement to a vegetable based meal. Most vegetables,
particularly in their raw state, contain a high amount of carotenoid based anti-
oxidants. Studies have shown that these anti-oxidants are lipophilic (fat-
loving) and are absorbed best in the body when combined with a healthy fat such
as oleic acid.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in March 2005 showed that adding
avocados to salad increased absorption of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and
lutein, 7.2, 15.3, and 5.1 times higher, respectively, than the average amount
of these carotenoids absorbed when avocado-free salad was eaten.

2. Blueberries: This summer superfood is loaded with antioxidant
phytonutrients called anthocyanins. These nutrients powerfully neutralize free
radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues. In addition,
anthocyanins have been shown to improve capillary integrity and enhance the
effects of Vitamin C.

The anti-oxidant power of blueberries has been shown to be particularly useful
in stabilizing brain function and protecting the neural tissue from oxidative
stress. The riper the berries the more anti-oxidant power they contain. To
assess the ripeness of the berries look at the color. Riper berries are a
darker blue. Blueberry season is mid-late summer, June - August. Most frozen
berries are picked at maximal ripeness and frozen.

3. Cucumbers: One of the best foods for your skin, joints, & energy levels,
cucumbers are loaded with the mineral silica, which is an essential component
for healthy connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bone, & skin). It
is also full of ionic potassium, magnesium, & vitamin C which give it a
powerful alkalizing effect within the body. Additionally, cucumbers are
particularly rich in fluids that hydrate the skin, joints, and tissues.

The combination of alkalizing elements, electrolytes, & fluids make it one of
the world's best foods for enhancing energy levels. Cucumbers are also great
for stabilizing blood pressure and stimulating the body's natural
detoxification process.

Suggestions:
1. Utilize avocados in creamy, home-made guacamole recipes or simply slice on
to a salad.
2. Frozen blueberries are a terrific base for a cooling & satisfying shake.
They are also a terrific desert food to use for children, parties, and other
big events.
3.Slice cucumbers and add apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and
herbs and spices for a great mid-day snack or meal.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?...


Source: NaturalNews

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