Focus on summer ingredients and their benefits
by Josephine Gorron
Summer… The sun, the heat and the lazy atmosphere, that's what I call happiness! Besides, nature is good - I know, I know, it's not a scoop - but when you think about it, she gives us water-soaked fruits and vegetables to help us stay hydrated. Not bad is not it ?
Here are my top 6 summer foods.
1. Tomato
The tomato is back on the markets and on our plates. Cherry, elongated, round, “coeur de boeuf”, Crimean Black, Green Zebra, etc. It's not the variety that is lacking!
Its beautiful color is due to its richness in lycopene, a pigment belonging to the family of carotenoids, these antioxidants that our body needs. Also, it provides a good dose of vitamin C. The tomato is a very good food for general health. Enjoy it, it's the return of tomato-mozzarella salads.
Prefer organic and consume it until September!
2. Raspberry
This small red fruit combines pleasure in the mouth and well-being. Raspberry is rich in minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.) and contains several antioxidants including polyphenols . In addition, its fiber density contributes to the good health of your intestines.
For raspberry fans, treat yourself to our alternative to raspberry jam .
3. Melon
Star food of the summer, the melon pleasantly flavors our meals. Particularly tasty, it is essential from the month of June. Composed of 90% water, melon is very thirst-quenching and low in calories. It is also rich in potassium - fight against hypertension - and vitamin A - good cell regeneration.
Choosing the right melon is not complicated! You just have to use your senses. A good melon is heavy, fragrant and with a crack around the pecou (tail).
You will find melon extracts in La Beauté . Sprinkle it in all your smoothies and other summer drinks!
4. Cucumber
Cucumber is a natural diuretic, it contains more than 96% water! To give you an idea, half a cucumber (about 150g) is the equivalent of a glass of water (190ml). In addition, it is a good source of vitamins (A, B, C and E) and minerals (especially potassium ).
As you will have understood, cucumber is a great ally to cool you down during the heat wave. To take advantage of all its nutritional benefits, eat it with the skin on!
5. Fishing
Juicy, sweet and slightly tangy, the peach is a summer fruit par excellence and a treat for gourmets!
It is full of nutrients:
- High amounts of vitamin C
- Selenium - with anti-inflammatory properties
- Beta-carotene ( provitamin A ) - a pigment with strong antioxidant power, essential for vision, cell renewal and the proper functioning of the immune system.
Peach skin is yours!
6. Apricot
The apricot is a food that gives fishing! Yes Yes ! It is one of the richest fruits in provitamin A (beta-carotene) . Consume 2 and your daily requirement will be met. In addition, its potassium content is particularly high.
You can eat it plain, in a dessert or in a savory dish!
And to celebrate the arrival of summer, I offer you as a bonus 2 fresh recipes:
- Infused water for all-day hydration
Fill a carafe three-quarters full of water. Add the juice of a lemon, a few mint leaves, a good handful of raspberries and 1/2 a cucumber in thin slices.
Leave to infuse for 40 minutes before tasting.
- Gazpacho (for 2 people) - and yes, a salty recipe is possible with Hygée!
In a blender, mix 400g of tomatoes, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 onion, 1 clove of garlic and 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper then add 2 tsp of La Sérénité or La Beauté .
Serve chilled with homemade croutons and a slice of melon. Don't forget to say "Olé" with each spoonful.
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Dietitian - Nutritionist in a private practice, Joséphine is also passionate about yoga and meditation. Convinced that taking care of yourself through diet and physical effort are the keys to good health and general fulfillment, Joséphine offers her patients comprehensive support based on mindfulness and respect for the body.
