So, you've decided to start eating healthier. Well, there's no better time than summer, a season that brings a bounty of fresh in-season produce to make the change in your diet even easier.
Plus, being outdoors more often increases your risk of dehydration and can aggravate skin sensitivities — so it is even more important to eat healthy fruits and vegetables, which provide some critical nutrients that your body needs during this season.
Here are 10 delicious, healthy fruits and vegetables you really should try this summer that will help you both look and feel your best.
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Watercress
This leafy green has a peppery flavor and makes a great addition to any summer salad. Watercress tops the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of "powerhouse" fruits and vegetables because it was found to be the most nutrient-dense food.
Watercress has only 11 calories per 100 grams and is an excellent source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), containing a denser concentration of vitamin C than an orange. It is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B6, and K. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a daily portion of watercress could significantly reduce DNA damage to blood cells that is considered an important trigger in the development of cancer.
Fava beans
Popular in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and South America, fava beans are a healthy summer delicacy, available in produce stores from late spring though most of the summer season. These legumes, also known as broad beans, are a great source of lean protein and are a good source of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B6, and K. They are also rich in fiber and have no cholesterol or saturated fat. Fava beans can be served raw or cooked, though the pods must first be blanched.
Watermelon
This summer classic is indeed the perfect choice for a healthy snack after a long day in the sun. As its name implies, watermelon is almost 92% water, making it a great source of hydration in hot weather. It has only 88 calories in a two-cup serving and one gram of fiber, which slows digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. It is a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage.
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