Summer bites Here’ a handy guide to healthy, light food to beat the blistering heat

Summer bites

Here’ a handy guide to healthy, light food to beat the blistering heat

Watermelon: Composed of about 90 per cent water, sweet watermelons are an easy way to stay hydrated during this sweltering summer. They pack in nutrients, including vitamin A, B6, and C. In addition, watermelon, like most melons, is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene and citrulline. Tomatoes: A great summertime treat, full of vitamin C, beta carotene, and lycopene, tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses. They are the easiest to incorporate into different kinds of dishes and meals. Also, they're prolific during summer. Try farm-fresh tomatoes in salads and garnishing on tortillas. Berries: Go for them! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries… the list is endless. All berries are low in calories, high in vitamin C, strawberries being the highest, and a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Try a concoction of all the berries, sprinkle some berry sauce, toss it up and gorge! Peaches: The sweet, juicy flavour of peaches makes them exotic in a fruit salad. High in vitamin C and A, peaches are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Plums: Plums, like apricots, peaches, and nectarines, are considered fruits that have a hard stone pit. High in vitamin C, A, and fiber, they are also rich in antioxidants. The dried form is best known for its laxative properties. Eat it straight, sliced in a fruit tart, or made into plum jam. Great taste with good health properties. Green beans: Green beans are rich in vitamin K, C, manganese, and a good source of beta-carotene. Boil them, sprinkle chat masala and eat. You could even put them in a veggie salad or cold soup. Figs: High in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, figs go well in sweet, savoury dishes.