
Summer fruits
seem to be full of sunshine. Mangoes
are a huge favourite in our family and they are getting more affordable by the
season. We’ve been enjoying them occasionally
for breakfast or lunch. According to the
Australia Mango website (www.mangoes.net.au ) a 200g serve of ripe mango provides you
with up to 3 times the recommended daily intake of Vitamins A and C. They also contain more beta-carotene than any
other fruit. Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant that assists with the growth and
repair of cells, tissues and skin.
One of the ways
we enjoy our ‘mango fandangoes’ is to eat them with banana, and topped with
yoghurt and desiccated or shredded coconut.
What a delicious tropical treat!
We also love
eating summer berries and cherries.
Berries are particularly beneficial to health in the following ways:
-
They
keep you mentally sharp, as they contain anthocyanidins, which cross the
blood-brain barrier and locate in learning and memory centres in the brain.
-
Berries
have a low glycemic index, meaning that they release their sugar slowly and
keep you feeling fuller for longer – the perfect fruit for those with diabetes
who need to regulate sugar release to their bodies.
-
Flavanoid
packed berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, may one day lead to more effective cancer-prevention
strategies.
-
The
antioxidants in berries can help your body fight oxidative stress caused by
free radicals that can lead to illness. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can
help improve your health, protect your skin and hair, and prevent certain diseases. All fruits and vegetables contain
antioxidants, but nutrient-rich berries are some of the absolute best sources.
(Sources: http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/berries.aspx and http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition-pictures/amazing-health-benefits-of-berries.aspx )
I usually like to
top breakfast cereal with berries, or have them with muslei and yoghurt. I also like to make an apple and berry
crumble – delicious served with vanilla ice cream. And berries are also great just on their own,
or to liven up a cheese board.
Which seasonal
fruits are your favourite and how do you enjoy them? I’d love you to share your recipes, so send
me a post or comment below or you can email me at livewelllivesmart@gmail.com .
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