Top 5 Most Refreshing Summer Fruits

Most of the times, during summer, the excessive heat becomes a problem. The body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. This is done by varying blood circulation and losing water through skin and sweat glands.

First of all, the blood flow increases, dilating blood vessels. Thus, capillaries near skin’s surface handle more blood flow, excessive heat being drained off in the atmosphere. Sweating doesn’t lower temperature unless sweat is evaporated, heat energy of the body being consumed in this process. However, a large amount of water is eliminated through sweating.

Heat waves are extremely dangerous in cities due to pollutants that are trapped in the atmosphere. During these heat waves it is recommended to reduce strenuous activities or reschedule them to a cooler time of the day. Also, you should avoid too much sun, protect your skin and head, eat less food that increases the metabolic heat production (like proteins) and water loss and reduce the intake of alcohol in your body. It is also recommended to drink a lot of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.

And since water is so important during these high temperatures, you can resort to fruits in order to maintain you body hydrated and health. Here is a top of the most refreshing summer fruits to cool you down:

1. Watermelons
2. Lemons
3. Pineapples
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries

1. Watermelons

Watermelons are 92% water, having the highest water percentage out of all fruits. One cup (152g) of watermelon has only about 46 calories. Watermelons originate from Africa, but now they are very popular around the world. Americans eat over 17 lbs of watermelon each year.

They are low in saturated fat and sodium. Also, they are a good source of potassium, magnesium and a very good source of vitamin A, C, B1 and B6. It is said that it can have a positive effect on people suffering from asthma, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis. Its antioxidants also neutralize free radicals.

Recent studies show that watermelons are the best source (referring to vegetables and fruits) of carotenoid lycopene. Lycopene lowers the risk of many kinds of cancer.

2. Lemons

Lemons originate from Asia. They were introduced in Europe and Middle East during the third century. Today lemons are popular all over the world.

Their sour taste distinguishes them from other fruits. A lemon generally has 89% water and about 17 – 24 calories, depending on the size. Lemons are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, and iron and an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. 100 g of lemons provide about 11% of dietary fiber and 88% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

The sour taste of lemons is determined by the high level of citric acid. Lemon’s pH is around 2 or 3, which makes it a little too acidic to eat raw. However, using lemons for cooking is recommended. Also, lemon juice is very anti-bacterial and helps with sore throats.

3. Pineapples

Pineapples originate from South America (Brazil and Paraguay). The fruit was first introduced in Europe by Christopher Columbus. Today, most of world’s production of pineapples comes from Hawaii.

Depending on type and size, pineapples have a water percentage around 86%. 100 grams of pineapple contain about 48 calories, mostly from sugars.

Pineapples are high in vitamin B1, vitamin B6, dietary fiber and copper. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, 100 grams of pineapple containing 60% of recommended daily value of vitamin C and 59% of recommended daily value of Manganese.

4. Peaches

Peaches are 89% water. A medium peach has about 60 calories. Peaches are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B3, dietary fiber and potassium.

Peaches were originally cultivated in China. They spread to Russia and Persia. They were introduced in Greece by Alexander the Great and then spread throughout Europe. Even today, Chinese people consider that peaches have special properties, bringing luck, abundance and protection. In Chinese culture, peaches represent long life and marriage.

Peaches are high in phytochemicals which act as oxidants and are important to skin’s health, protecting it from exposure to the sun’s UV rays and aging.

5. Strawberries

One strawberry is about 91% water and has about 5 calories. Strawberries are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, potassium and folate. One medium strawberry contains about 12% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

Strawberries grew in the wild in ancient Rome and were first cultivated in America. However there is a theory that strawberries were first cultivated in Japan.

Strawberries have many health related benefits. In fact, they are so nutritious that they are ranked in our top 5 most nutritious fruits in the world. What makes them so refreshing, is their sweaty-sour taste.