This summer indulge in these delicious treats knowing how good they are for you.
Corn: As the saying goes, “knee high by the 4th of July” – meaning corn on the cob is at its peak during the summer. Corn is a heart healthy treat, not just because of its fiber content, but also because it is a good source of folate, an important B vitamin. Corn is also a good source of thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. Sweet corn needs a gentle touch – don’t overcook it or swath it in butter. Leave off the salt and steam it for 5 minutes, then eat and enjoy!
Seafood: Chicken and steak may be traditional summer grilling fare but you want to remember to add some heart healthy seafood to your summer grilling menu. Salmon, albacore, mahi-mahi and shrimp, marinated with lemon juice and herbs, make great grilled entrees, and are amongst the best sources of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids, in addition to being much lower in artery-clogging saturated fat.
Iced Tea: Drop sodas and make the switch to refreshing and healthy iced tea. It’s easy to brew up a batch of your own favorite type – there are many different kinds of iced and traditional teas to try. Enjoy a refreshing beverage that is full of health benefits, including antioxidants and other immune system boosting phytonutrients. Making your own allows you to control what it’s sweetened with – try agave, an all-natural honey-like sweetener that’s practically calorie free and doesn’t raise blood sugars.
Watermelon: What’s a summer day without watermelon? At its peak in summer this fruit is also a good source of vitamins B1 and B6, magnesium, potassium and lycopene. The major health benefits of lycopene include its ability to protect against prostrate cancer, prevent heart and kidney disease, and the decay of the brain and nervous system as a result of aging.
In a few days I will post some more delicious and healthy summer BBQ foods.