The long days of Summer call for hydration and
replenishment. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak during the summer months
making them ideal food sources. This is a good time of year to try a raw food
diet. Raw foods are packed with vitamins and enzymes which will give your body
the fuel it needs for increased summer activity.
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, and vitamin C which work to
diminish free radicals and they're great for the skin. They're also high in
potassium, which is involved in every function in our bodies. This is one of
the few minerals that should only be gleaned from food. This is because the
sodium-potassium balance is highly regulated on a cellular level. Eaten as a
food, your body is able to take what it needs, as a supplement this balance can
be disrupted. Tomatoes are also excellent antioxidants.
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Basil is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial,
and anti-viral. While it is mainly used as a spice, basil has a long history of
medicinal use for minor inflammation. It can be used both internally as a tea
for stomach and urinary discomfort and externally as a poultice for minor cuts
and abrasions.
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Watermelon, what’s not to love about this low calorie fruit?
One cup has just 46 calories. This is in part due to its high water content,
141 grams, which is perfect for helping to keep you hydrated in the summer
months. It is also high in vitamins C and A.
Spinach has been misrepresented as a good source of iron. While
the idea that it is high in iron is a misconception, it is high in several
important vitamins; A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, K and folic acid. It also acts as a
digestive stimulant.
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Peppers are high in vitamin C, which is necessary for
the development of collagen in addition to its powerful anti-oxidant
properties. One cup of raw peppers has 200% of the recommended daily value of
vitamin C, which is higher than a cup of orange sections which has 160% of the
recommended DV.
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Cucumbers are high in vitamins A, C, and B complex. Like
watermelon they too have a high water content and is low in calories, one cup has
just 16 calories, and 100 grams of water.
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