I don’t know about you but I love summertime! Besides the warm weather, sunshine and being outside more, I love the fresh produce. It’s abundant this time of year and there’s so much to enjoy! Whether you grow some of your own produce in a garden, visit a Farmers Market or buy some locally grown produce at the grocery store, the fresh fruit and vegetables always taste better. They are also less expensive during the summer months, as they are plentiful. Additionally, many garden fresh fruits and vegetables fight inflammation, which feeds illness and disease, so this is a huge bonus. In this blog, I wanted to share 5 summer time foods that fight inflammation.

5 Summer Time Foods That Fight Inflammation

1. Cucumbers—
   
   Cucumbers are 90% water, yet they have some important healthful properties. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your body. Some vitamins found in cucumbers include vitamin C, K and B5, which work to give you energy. They also contain potassium and magnesium, which help build healthy bones. Magnesium also has a calming affect and promotes restful sleep and helps alleviate anxiety. Many people enjoy eating cucumbers right out of the garden or use them to make pickles to store for the winter months. They are also good in salads, smoothies and add a refreshing taste to water.
2. Beets—
   
   Beets are another garden vegetable that help fight inflammation.  They have a number of other medicinal properties, as well.  They help detoxify your body and have have strong anti-cancer properties. Beets have many nutrients your body needs including vitamin C, B12, B1, B2, iodine, magnesium and potassium. They also contain iron, that is used to produce hemoglobin in your body, which helps carry oxygen and gives you energy and is extremely important for those who are iron deficient.  Beets are easy to grow and are an important root vegetable. Many people enjoy beets in salads or eat them alone.  Pickled beets are often made in the fall and are canned to enjoy during the winter months.
3. Tomatoes—
   
   Tomatoes are also popular to grow and are always plentiful in the summer. Many people grow tomato plants in their garden, or have a potted plant for the deck. Others stock up on fresh tomatoes from their local Farmers Market, as they taste much better when they are in season. Tomatoes have many nutritional benefits, as well.  Tomatoes help reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. They are an excellent source of vitamin C too. Some vitamins found in tomatoes include vitamin A, E, B6 and K. They also contain fiber, which is good for digestion.  Many people enjoy tomatoes alone or sliced for salads or sandwiches. Other people like to make salsa, tomato sauce or stewed tomatoes.
4. Zucchini—
   
   Zucchini’s are part of the squash family and have a number of healthy benefits. Zucchini’s are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity for your body. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they naturally help fight disease. Zucchini’s have a high water content, so they also help you stay hydrated, which is important, especially during the summer time. They also help prevent cancer and various other diseases. Some vitamins found in zucchini include vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and a number of B vitamins. Some people like to grow zucchini in their garden or pick them up at the Farmers Market. They can be added to entrees, cooked in olive oil with a little garlic, salt, pepper or made into bread or cake.
5. Peppers—
   
   Peppers are another garden vegetable that helps fight inflammation. In fact, peppers pack a punch when it comes to your overall health. That’s because peppers contain a bunch of vitamins, plus phytochemcials and antioxidants, which help protect your body. Some vitamins found in peppers include vitamin C, E and B6.  Peppers also promote eye health and help fight iron deficiency anemia. Peppers come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. They also have a number of distinct flavors, from sweet to hot to mild.  Peppers can be used in salads and a variety of other dishes.
   

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:
¹“What Are Cucumbers Good For?” Mercola.com, foodfacts.mercola.com/cucumber.html.

²Maria, Dana, Katrina, C. H. Kid, Ronda Craig, Maydel Reese, Sonny Waysack, Connie, Sabine, and BeckySue Graves. “THIS Vegetable Will Fix Everything Wrong In Your Body!” Daily Occupation. N.p., 26 Jan. 2017. Web. 28 Mar. 2017.

³”Six Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Beets.” Mercola.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2017.

⁴“Zucchini.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Aug. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zucchini.

⁵“5 Amazing Zucchini Benefits.” Organic Facts, 12 June 2017, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-zucchini.html.