In the last month of summer, is the time to stock up on the most beneficial vitamins and strengthen your immune system by choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables. In this article, I will talk about the main seasonal products of August, the richest month in the harvest of the year.
The first representatives of fruits ripening in August are apples, which are called a barrel of vitamins and minerals. They contain a whole range of useful and necessary elements for a person. Vitamins C, B1, B2, P and E are present in all types and varieties of apples. In addition, they contain manganese, iron and potassium in fairly large quantities. Apples are full of fiber, which means they act as a regulatory link in the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.
Next on my list are grapes. Grapes have a beneficial effect on all organs. So, fiber helps digestion, and the minerals contained in berries have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Doctors recommend the optimal rate of 150 to 250 grams per day and advise choosing darker berries, as they have more antioxidants.
Just at the beginning of August, the most active growth and ripening ofmelons and watermelons is observed, so the use of these fruits this season will bring not only good taste, but also a lot of health benefits.
Firstly, they have a lot of liquid, and they are able to quench the thirst.
Secondly, they contain a lot of vitamins of groups B, C, E, PP, folic acid. That is, watermelons and melons are able to protect our body from harmful effects, strengthen immunity, nourish and help restore nerve cells.
Thirdly, watermelon and melon are fiber, which means they contribute to normal intestinal motility.
Fourthly, they are sweet, as they contain fructose and sucrose, which means they are a source of energy.
And finally, watermelons and melons are just delicious!
Figs ripen by the end of July – beginning of August. Figs are a light and healthy snack and a great addition to a variety of meals. They help digestion, heart function, and can also regulate blood sugar levels. Fig fruits are recommended for people to use for the prevention of various diseases, because these berries are just a storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals that prevent the development of cancer.
Pluots season is mid to late summer. They have many useful properties, as they are rich in vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids. The high content of vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, fight colds, infections and viruses.
Vitamin A, which is found in fruits, is indispensable for good vision. Dietary fiber has a positive effect on the digestive organs, relieving a person from constipation, indigestion, and heaviness in the stomach.
Potassium and B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the performance of the nervous system, providing a person with good health and good mood. Regular consumption of pluot gives calmness, relaxes the nervous system, relieves anxiety and unreasonable fears.
Of vegetables, tomatoes and cucumbers, which I wrote about last month, remain just as relevant in August.
Eggplant can rightfully be called the vegetable symbol of August. Eggplant is also called a longevity vegetable because it promotes the good functioning of the heart and circulatory system. This is not the only useful property of eggplant, but perhaps the most important.
Eggplants are recommended for patients with gastric and intestinal diseases, for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, and for the removal of cholesterol from the body.
Eggplants are useful for people suffering from anemia: they help the formation of red blood cells and normalize hemoglobin levels. They also help lower blood sugar levels, so they are recommended for diabetics.
Beetroot is harvested from summer to late autumn, they store well and keep for months. Beets are rich in mineral salts, organic acids and folic acid. This vegetable holds the record for the concentration of boron and manganese, as well as one of the leaders in iron content. Substances in the composition of beets improve metabolism, activate hematopoiesis, and strengthen the immune system.
Beets are recommended for any intestinal diseases and inflammations. They are extremely useful for constipation and problems with the intestinal microflora.
August is also potato season. If you like to bake young potatoes, boil them or fry them, then this season is just for you. At the same time, it is important to properly prepare this vegetable in order to save the maximum benefit in it. They are nutritious and contain a large amount of sodium, phosphorus, and vitamin C, in addition, they contain amino acids.
In addition, in any form and with any heat treatment, potatoes are very rich in potassium. This mineral contributes to the fight against hypertension, as it promotes vasodilation. Potassium also has a diuretic property and is necessary for people suffering from gout, cystitis and prostatitis. Promoting the removal of excess fluid from the body, potassium thereby helps it maintain a normal metabolism.
In August, various types of cabbage also ripen. At this time, you can find white cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. All of them are quite low-calorie and contain a huge amount of fiber. In addition, all types are rich in vitamins and minerals. Considered the easiest to digest, cauliflower contains soft fiber, lots of vitamin C, and some protein. It can be boiled and baked. Broccoli, in turn, contains calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C, D and helps to eliminate free radicals. It shows itself perfectly both in the form of soup-puree, and as part of a vegetable stew. In August, white cabbage leaves are much softer, it is well suited for preparing fresh salads and various dishes. It is famous for its high content of vitamin C, carotenes and minerals.
Sweet onions have a relatively short season, from April through mid-August. Sweet onions contain a large amount of antioxidants, so it is often used to neutralize inflammatory processes in the human body. Regular consumption of vegetables helps to strengthen the immune system and prevents the development of malignant neoplasms. With its regular use, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, and sleep improves. The vegetable is harmful when consumed excessively, it is not recommended for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Okra is usually in season from summer to early fall. So, if you forgot about it, you have all of August to start eating this amazing food.
Do you remember okra? I wrote about this vegetable in one of my previous articles.
Okra is not just a vegetable – it is a superfood. This is a real effective medicine that nature itself has created. When used correctly, it can have the following therapeutic effects: improve the work of the cardiovascular system, preventing heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis; strengthen the immune system by promoting the formation of white blood cells in the body; help with bronchial asthma, and also effectively cope with dry cough; reduce body temperature and improve well-being in various infectious diseases; relieve spasms of the respiratory system; improve digestion, cleanse the intestines and cope with constipation; reduce blood sugar levels (high fiber content makes okra one of the best foods to fight diabetes), etc.
Enjoy the last month of summer and all the delicious fruits and vegetables of this season.