The summer season is very favorable from the point of view of nutrition, since the heat predisposes us to eat more fresh uncooked food (salads, gazpachos, sorbets), thus maintaining vitamins such as Vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, B12 and Folic Acid, which would be lost in the cooking process. In addition, as there are more hours of sunshine, it is more feasible to have a good level of Vitamin D. Therefore, summer is a good ally in this aspect.
We should not forget that since the weather is good, it is advisable to schedule a routine of outdoor walks, since they contribute to improve osteoarticular and cardiovascular health.
Currently, a not insignificant percentage of the population is deficient in vitamin D, which does not favor bone density; but, in addition, having a high circulating level of vitamin D is associated with a low risk of colorectal cancer, according to a recent publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
- The variety of fruits available in summer is much greater than at other times of the year, so it is much easier to choose from and it will be difficult not to find a fruit that we fancy. Eating fruit is an important source of vitamins and vegetable fiber, among other things.
- Summer is the period of bonito, a fish that, being blue (omega 3), does not have the disadvantages of tuna as far as heavy metals are concerned, so there is no restriction on the frequency of its consumption. In addition, its caloric intake is lower than that of tuna. We must take advantage of this time of the year to consume it.
Sardines are also a highly recommended fish for their content in omega 3, iodine, vitamins A, E and D, phosphorus and calcium, among other nutrients. - When choosing an ice cream, a natural sorbet is always more recommendable than an ice cream with cream or other fats. If the latter texture appeals to us, we can elaborate them with fresh cheeses, curds or yogurt. The result is similar and our arteries and our scales will thank us for it.