As every month, from Top Doctors, we bring you the most interesting seasonal foods of each month. This time we present the 12 foods that we have selected for the month of July and the benefits they bring us after consumption.
Below we show you the advantages of including the following fruits and vegetables in our diet:
-
Eggplant:
- Helps strengthen the immune system and improve resistance to disease, thanks to vitamins A, B1, B2, C and folic acid.
- It helps prevent arthritis, osteoporosis and heart disease, thanks to the minerals it is rich in such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
- They are low in calories, fat free and have a large amount of water. They also contain only 38 calories, making it a perfect food for those who take care of themselves or want to lose weight.
- Its skin has nasunin, an antioxidant that is only found in this vegetable and that helps to delay aging.
- It is recommended for osteoporosis or anemia as it has a high content of iron, calcium and phosphorus.
- Contains chlorogenic acid, which helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Rich in flavonoids, some well-known pigments that help improve some qualities of food and protect cells from harmful agents.
-
Blueberries:
- They are excellent antioxidants, so they help fight anemia and improve mood. Also, their regular consumption allows the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s or other degenerative diseases to be much slower.
- Eating blueberries and accompanying it with a healthy diet protects us from numerous cardiovascular risk factors, abdominal fat accumulation, diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol.
- The positive effects of blueberries on retinal pigmentation, regenerative capacity against retinal inflammation, night vision, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma have been demonstrated.
- The consumption of blueberries favors the treatment and prevention of urinary infections.
- Very useful in slimming diets, due to its high nutritional power, low calorie intake, low sugar level and the satiating power of fiber. All this helps to reduce abdominal fat.
-
Cantaloupe melon:
- Ideal for summer due to its high water and electrolyte content that helps prevent dehydration and combat heat. In addition, their refreshing flavor makes them a very low calorie snack. Their sweet taste makes them a very appreciated fruit by all palates.
- They contain beta-carotene, a nutrient that when consumed in large quantities reduces the chances of asthma and prostate cancer.
- It is good for the heart as it contains potassium, fiber and vitamin C. On the other hand, it is also associated with a lower risk of stroke, reduce the formation of kidney stones, protect the loss of muscle mass and preserve bone mineral density.
- It helps prevent constipation, promote regularity and maintain a healthy digestive system thanks to its high fiber and water content.
- Beneficial for hair, as they contain vitamin A, which is essential for the production of sebum, which in turn favors both skin and hair. In addition, vitamin C also contributes to the construction and maintenance of collagen.
-
Lemon pear:
- 80% of the pear is water, which is why it is very easy to digest.
- Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, iodine and vitamins B and C.
- Perfect for people with thyroid problems due to its high iodine content.
- Ideal for slimming diets due to its low calories and pecticin.
- Excellent for the elderly: it purifies the body, provides calcium and helps to decalcify the arteries.
- Protects the cardiovascular system and prevents heart disease: thanks to elements of vitamin B and folic acid.
- Indicated in cases of anemia, as it is a source of strengthening for red blood cells due to its high iron content.
- It favors the elimination of cholesterol due to its soluble fiber and helps to make up for potassium losses.
- It regulates the intestinal function by facilitating digestion and is recommended for people with diarrhea as it is astringent. In addition, it reduces inflammation of the intestinal mucosa regulating its function.
- It has a diuretic capacity that promotes kidney health.
-
Paraguayan peach:
- They are rich in antioxidants and contribute to strengthen the immune system.
- They are very satiating due to their richness in fiber and water. They are light on the stomach and have laxative properties.
- They contain phenolic compounds that help regulate bad cholesterol levels (LDL).
- Their magnesium content helps to combat stress and anxiety, as well as contributes to regulate the nervous system.
- Because of their retinol or vitamin A content, they help maintain healthy skin. They also contain vitamin C and antioxidants that also have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- They provide calcium and phosphorus, important for the good health of bones and teeth. In addition, calcium and phosphorus are responsible for repairing body tissues.
-
Padron peppers:
- Rich in vitamin A, they are highly recommended for certain eye problems such as cataracts.
- Contains vitamin C, which helps prevent colds.
- Low in calories so they are suitable for people who are dieting.
- They have analgesic properties, so they help in the treatment of pain.
-
Cherry tomatoes:
- They are antioxidants thanks to lycopenes, the pigments that give color to this fruit and are responsible for delaying the oxidation of cells. Lycopenes are also the main agent against premature aging.
- Tomatoes contain a total of 16 minerals and 8 vitamins.
- The large amount of vitamin A they contain helps to improve vision, as well as to prevent visual diseases such as night blindness or macular degeneration.
- It protects the skin from the sun’s rays, as it is one of the ingredients of facial creams to prevent aging.
- Its juice is used to treat minor burns.
- The chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid they contain are essential to eliminate the nitrosamines produced by smoking, which are the main carcinogenic agents.
- They contain a high percentage of water, so it is a very light food perfect for diets.
-
Zucchini flower:
- Rich in antioxidants, water and fiber.
- Rich in minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, beta-carotene and vitamin A.
- They help to prevent the aging of the cells of the organism.
- As they have so much water and fiber, they have diuretic and laxative properties that will help eliminate toxins and facilitate good intestinal transit.
- It is a very light food without fat and with very few calories. Ideal for adding to salads and for dieters.
-
Kenebec potato:
- Ideal for any dish in any of its cooking forms.
- It has a high level of starch.
- Its calorie content is very low and it contains a low amount of phenols.
- Easy digestion due to its antacid effect.
-
Picota:
- They have a great antioxidant effect.
- They help regulate intestinal transit thanks to their high fiber and water content.
- They help regulate muscle contraction and heart rate due to their high levels of potassium. For this reason, they are also recommended after exercise or intense effort.
- Their high levels of simple carbohydrates help to maintain the hydr
olytic balance, which can be affected after vomiting or diarrhea.
-
Mirabelle plum:
- They favor intestinal transit, thanks to their high fiber content.
- They are very hydrating and refreshing due to their high amount of water.
- It favors skin care due to the presence of beta-carotene, among other trace elements.
- Contributes to eye care thanks to its vitamin E.
- Provides quick energy.
- In spite of their sweet taste, they are low in calories and ideal for weight loss diets.
-
Red Onion:
- Helps reduce insomnia.
- It relaxes muscles and contains quercetin, a substance used as an anti-allergic and also to help sleep.
- It improves gastrointestinal health.
- It is an ideal food to promote the elimination of intestinal parasites, combat constipation, reduce the risk of colon cancer and regularize stomach function. It also controls glucose levels.
- It has diuretic properties.
- It helps with fluid retention and with the elimination of toxins from the body.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties in blood vessels, bronchial tubes, throat and joints. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, asthma and bronchitis.
- It helps to reduce cholesterol.
- Regular consumption reduces the chances of developing cancer of the larynx, rectum or ovaries.
- Improves mood, generating a sense of well-being.
- Promotes collagen production and hair maintenance.