Summer Fruits Are a Source of Natural Healing

To maintain the vitamins and minerals required for our physical health, we need to consume at least 3-4 portions of fruit daily on a regular basis. Summer fruits are a storehouse of minerals and vitamins. Serap Güzel, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist at Liv Hospital, emphasized that one portion of fruit should be small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and provided important information about the benefits of summer fruits. Watermelon: The most popular fruit of summer. It contains abundant water and is rich in lycopene and beta-carotene. It is preventive against cholesterol and prostate cancer and accelerates blood flow in vessels. Strawberry: Contains vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants, and protects body cells against damage. Therefore, it is protective against diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C is also very important for skin renewal. Apricot: Yellow fruits are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene. In addition, they contain vitamin C, potassium and abundant fibre. Important for eye and heart health, and also ensures the regular functioning of the digestive system. Cherry: "If you eat a cherry, you will turn into a cherry stem" – there is a reason this saying exists. Cherry contains vitamin C and abundant potassium. Because of its high potassium content, it helps eliminate excess water accumulated in the body. The quercetin it contains is protective against heart disease and lowers cholesterol. Fresh Grapes: One of the most valued fruits for centuries. Fresh, dried, or in the form of grape juice, it has many benefits in all forms. Contains abundant fibre, vitamin C and potassium. Grape seed is already a known antioxidant. Resveratrol in grape skin is a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins C and E and is protective against cancer.

Important Information

Green tea and white tea should be limited to a maximum of 2-3 cups per day. These teas have a higher antioxidant ratio compared to black tea, but because they contain caffeine, it does not mean we can consume them in unlimited quantities. Excessive consumption (5-6 cups per day) can be harmful instead of beneficial, causing heart palpitations, stimulating the nervous system, depleting water from the body, and so on. Pay attention when brewing tea! Tea brewed for 1 minute contains half the caffeine of tea brewed for 3 minutes. The main source of vitamin D is the sun; 80-90 percent is obtained from sunlight. Smaller amounts are obtained from food sources. Milk, yogurt, bread and breakfast cereals (enriched with vitamin D) are the primary sources. Fatty fish and eggs naturally contain vitamin D. Smaller amounts are found in meat and cheese. However, sunlight is still necessary for vitamin D. The hands and face area should be exposed to sunlight for approximately 15 minutes.