Summer is coming! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and plums are finally riper, juicier, and more affordable. There are a number of reasons why eating seasonally and locally is better. It’s a nutritious way to eat tastier fruits and vegetables. Plus, it’s better for the earth and your body.
They are more nutritious
Have you ever noticed that strawberries taste better in the summer? While it’s controversial if eating organic has more nutritional value than conventional produce, studies show seasonal foods can be picked ripe, which makes them taste better and have a higher antioxidant content (1). If you buy your produce locally, chances are it is picked ripe because it doesn’t rely on long transport times. Produce picked out of season or picked before ripening don’t have as good of a flavor or nutritional value.
They’re better for the environment and your wallet
When you purchase produce from farmers nearby, it not only improves the local economy and growers, but the environment too. Less travel means more affordable options and a lower carbon footprint. If you are not finding seasonal produce in your local grocery store that is a lower cost than normal, consider going to your local farmer’s market, where you will be able to buy directly from the farmers.
5 Top Summer foods that provide health benefits
- Blueberries – have compounds clinically shown to improve brain health (3).
- Zucchini – supports vision with an abundance of Vitamin A (4).
- Strawberries – rich in vitamin C to support immune system (5).
- Raspberries – contain quercetin that supports heart health, specifically blood pressure (6).
- Tomatoes – full of lycopene, a photochemical shown to support prostate and cardiovascular health (7).
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