Who needs those fancy (hard-to-find and pricey) superfoods? Summer’s best fruits and vegetables are packed with all the healing nutrients you need. Here are five of our favorites, with simple recipes for any occasion.
Swiss Chard
It’s loaded with beta-carotene, lutein, and other antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and protect eye health. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
Click here for Swiss Chard and Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta recipe.
Mango
It’s packed with polyphenol antioxidants, including mangiferin to protect against inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins B6, C, E, and K, plus beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.
Click here for Mango-Cucumber Gazpacho recipe.
Arugula
As a cruciferous vegetable, it’s high in compounds that reduce inflammation and protect against a variety of cancers. And it’s rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins C and K.
Click here for Arugula and Blackberry Salad with Grapefruit-Basil Vinaigrette recipe.
Wild Mushrooms
They’re loaded with compounds that reduce inflammation, support immune health, and protect against cancer. Shiitakes protect heart health, and lion’s mane has cognitive benefits. And mushrooms are the only plant-based source of naturally occurring vitamin D.
Click here for Wild Mushroom and Quinoa Burgers with Garlic-Thyme Aioli recipe.
Strawberries
They’re an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants that support immune health, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. And they’re rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber.
Click here for No-bake Strawberry-Pistachio Tart recipe.
Written by Lisa Turner for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Bonus Tip: While you take advantage of all the delicious fresh produce that summer has to offer, make sure you're getting quality sleep! Many of these important nutrients play a role in balancing restorative sleep, but you also need quality sleep to be able to utilize and properly absorb vital nutrients for everyday health.