Fruit of Summer

Fruit of Summer


It is summer time and farmers markets are overflowing with produce that is fresh and organic. What to choose? A variety is always fun. berries, melons, plums, all offer you good taste, a variety of colors, and nutrition that can be added to any meal.

Berries with red, blue, or purple skin contain bioflavonoids which are antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the damage from free radicals. Anthocyanin is a bioflavonoid which helps reduce inflammation.

Blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. They also have neuroprotective properties that help to protect cells from chemical, trauma, and plaque damage. Along with that they help slow age-related memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and senility.

Cherries contain anthocyanin compounds. These act to stimulate the pancreas so that it produces insulin. In Chinese medicine it has been observed that cherries help keep diabetics healthy. Other dark fruit also helps to maintain balanced blood sugar.

Anthocyanin compounds also act to protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol. And they also protect against cancer and arthritis.

Of course there are strawberries which have vitamin C and apricots with A.

What to do with them? Cover your cereal to start the morning with your favorite flavor of the day. Simply cut up a variety and mix together. Or if you like yogurt, mix chopped up fruit with organic vanilla yogurt.

If you want an elaborate ‘serving dish’ you can cut a watermelon or cantaloupe in half, either straight edge, saw tooth, or scallop and scoop out the insides. Cut up what you remove into cubes and add to your fruit salad. Fill up your dish and enjoy. Great for a picnic!