 Cool Off With Fresh Summer FruitsLooking for a great way to beat the heat? Head to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and take your pick of some of the best fruit the season has to offer. Even though it’s late summer, there’s still plenty of delicious, refreshing fruit in season. And it not only tastes great, it’s great for you. Here are some of our favorite picks.Pineapple This sweet, succulent fruit is the only food that contains bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes that supports joint health. And that may be really good news for people with knee discomfort. Here’s why: studies have shown that bromelain may help alleviate swelling and soreness in the knee. So how does it work? When you strain one of your joints, bromelain clears away the dead cells that accumulate, which helps enable the affected joint to begin functioning properly again. Pineapple is also rich in Vitamin C, which helps reverse the cellular damage that can contribute to joint discomfort. So how can you tell if a pineapple is ripe? Look for fruit with a mild, sweet smell and bright yellow or gold skin that’s not wrinkled or cracked. Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is loaded with the antioxidants Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which help guard against free radicals that cause cellular damage throughout the body. It also contains a variety of phytochemicals like beta-carotene that are essential for good health. Eating fruits like cantaloupe also supports good vision. In fact, one study found that eating three servings or more of fruit a day could significantly lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. When shopping, choose cantaloupes with a strong, sweet smell and pronounced netting on the rind. Watermelon What would summer be without watermelon? This ubiquitous warm-weather staple is both refreshing and good for you. And when you consider the fact that it contains more water than any other fruit, it’s no wonder watermelon tastes so good on a hot day. But there’s a lot more to it than that. Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin C, along with heart-healthy potassium. And because of its beta-carotene content, it’s also a good source of Vitamin A. Plus, it contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Not sure how to tell if a watermelon is ripe? A good watermelon will make a hollow sound when you knock on the rind. If it sloshes when you shake it, it’s probably overripe. Blueberries You’ve probably already heard that blueberries are really good for you. But did you know that their Vitamin C content might help slow wear and tear on your joints? It’s true. In fact, one study found that people with joint problems who had a high intake of Vitamin C were far less likely to injure or strain their joints. One possible reason is the fact that Vitamin C helps guard against free-radical damage. Blueberries are an especially good choice because they have one of the highest antioxidant capacities in the fruit and vegetable groups. The Vitamin C in foods like blueberries is also vital for the production of collagen, which is a key component of cartilage and bone. For the best blueberries, look for firm, plump berries with smooth skins. Cherries If you like the tart taste of cherries, you’ll be happy to learn that eating them may actually be good for your joints. The antioxidant bioflavonoids in cherries may help alleviate joint discomfort and even improve joint functioning. They also boost collagen production, which helps strengthen joint cartilage. Plus, cherries are high in anthocyanins, which may help reduce uric acid buildup in the joints. When shopping, look for cherries that are plump and brightly colored with flexible green stems. Grapes Talk about the perfect snack. Grapes are tasty, nutritious and perfectly sized for snacking on the go. Rich in flavonoid compounds like quercitin and resveratrol, grapes provide a number of heart-healthy benefits — from boosting the blood’s antioxidant activity to preventing clots and clumps in the blood and platelets. And that’s not all. Resveratrol is also being studied for its positive effects on aging and age-related diseases. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer red grapes or white grapes; as far as health benefits go, they’re about equal. When choosing grapes, look for plump clusters that are firmly attached to their stems. Plums Plums are sweet, juicy and flavorful. Not only do they taste great, they’re also great for you. Eating plums supports eye health and heart health, and also helps increase iron absorption. They’re an excellent source of two powerful antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Plums also contain phytonutrients, which function like antioxidants. When shopping for plums, look for plump, firm fruit, without any blemishes or breaks in the skin. For Healthy Snacking Anytime The next time you feel hunger pangs coming on, resist the urge to grab a candy bar or a cookie, and reach for some fruit instead. It’s a sweet and refreshing treat in the summer and all year round — and it’s great for your overall health and the health of your joints. |
