Page 19 - IH29-Houma

n a flash, the crisp season of
Spring is moving behind us,
and our senses connect with
the warm weather, fresh
Iaromas, bright colors and lush
greenery of Summertime. Summer's
heat brings with it a wealth of delicious
ripe produce that can also help your
body stay energized and hydrated.
Our sense of taste is heightened,
and we naturally crave colorful, fleshy
fruits. Fleshy fruits are commonly
referred to as “simple” fruits; howev-
er, these delicacies of nature are far ??
from simple. Not only are fleshy fruits
delicious, but they also fill our bodies
with substantial amounts of healthy ...helping to prevent cancer, aiding in weight loss,
antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. improving digestive health, reducing cholesterol, boosting
What fruits are categorized as “fleshy?”
Many of your favorite fruits fall into immune system strength, soothing in?ammation,
this category, including apples, pears, increasing the health of your skin, ...
peaches, papaya, quince, mango and
even avocado. cancer prevention and weight loss as amounts of nutrients that are supplied
As the mature ovary of one or well as increased digestive health, skin by fruits in a natural or raw form.
more flowers, simple fleshy fruits health, immunity and circulation and Our busy lifestyles have created eating
can have up to three identifying decreased cholesterol, blood pressure habits packed with preservatives and
characteristics: (1) outer skins, (2) a and inflammation. processed foods devoid of essential
single seed or seeds or (3) a stone. To reap the full health bene- nutrients. Daily consumption of fresh,
Between the skin and the seed is fits, remember it’s always better to natural, raw, fleshy fruits will boost
edible, nutrient-dense flesh or tissue. consume fruit in its raw, natural state your immune system and keep you
Vitamins and nutrients found in the rather than cooking or processing it feeling energized. It’s a good idea to
flesh (and sometimes the skin) have in any way. For optimal functioning choose to reconnect with the natural
substantial health benefits including of the human body, you need ample benefits of eating simple fleshy fruit.

5 SIMPLE TIPS TO INCREASE RAW FRUIT CONSUMPTION:
1

Don’t hide the fruit! Pur- Get into the Don’t “drink” too Cut fruit into bite-size If you don’t like
chase a beautiful basket habit of eating much fruit. Fruit pieces and keep in a raw fruit alone, cut
or bowl and keep it on the fruit early in juice is healthy in covered, clear glass apple slices and eat
counter in arm’s reach at all the day with moderation, but bowl in the refrigerator. with a teaspoon of
times. This way, when you your morning can pack a big Squeeze a lemon over almond butter as a
are craving a snack, you meal calorie punch. the top to give it a bit of healthy snack.
can easily sink your teeth zest and to help preserve
into an apple or pear rather color and texture.
than a packaged snack.

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