A perennial search for food that are cool to our senses begins as temperature soars every year. This is especially true for Indian summers. That said, there are a good number of food items including seasonal fruits that can not only satisfy your taste buds in this scorching heat but also are good for your health.
Here is our recommendation for you vegetarian summer menu.
Mango: We should begin by saying ‘no description needed’ as to why you should consume mango during summer. It is so popular – especially in India — that people will put up a fight to prove whose mango tastes better. It has been savoured as much by common men as erstwhile royals. India’s national fruit, there are so many people out there who love summers just because of mangoes. Though high in calories, these are a rich source of nutrients. There are reasons why mango is called the ‘king of fruits’. This fruit is enriched with fibre and has as many as 20 minerals and vitamins. Fibre helps with digestion and helps keep you full. Mangoes are rich in Vitamin A and C, and also potassium. Also, zeaxanthin, a pigment present in mangoes, protects the eyes by filtering out harmful blue rays.
Watermelon: If mango is the king, watermelon should be queen. Wildly popular during summer, you can see special makeshift shops selling only watermelon and its juice during summer. As much as 92% of a watermelon is water and hence, they are extremely hydrating and are best suited for the season. They aren’t far behind in the nutrition department either, with each bite containing Vitamins A, B6, C, amino acids, dietary fibres, calcium, iron etc. It has a high level of lycopene, which is a carotenoid phytonutrient that is very important for bone and cardiovascular health.
Papaya: Another great fruit that you can eat during summers is papaya. You can eat this fruit dried, ripe or unripe. Papayas contain nutrients like Vitamin A and C, folate, and various phytochemicals. This fruit also contains papain, a compound that is good for your gastrointestinal health. Its various medical advantages have made it mainstream in all parts of the world. These are rich in vitamins A, vitamin C, folate and different phytochemicals.
Pineapple: This is amongst one of those rare tropical fruits that is a must-have in all salads. It helps in boosting metabolism and reduces inflammation. They regulate hypertension and also help burn calories.
Musk Melon: It is considered as the most nutrient dense melon. A single serving can cater around half our daily vitamin C and A needs. Musk melons are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which boost eyesight. The pulpy fruit provides a hydrating effect in this energy sucking weather.