The 7 Summer Fruits You Should Be Using Now

There is nothing like summer’s bountiful harvest to renew and rejuvenate both your skin and overall health. It seems so simple, but the healing properties of the season’s fruits are exactly what your body needs! Indulge inside and out in the bounty of these 7 summer fruits while they are fresh and abundant.

Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that is converted to arginine, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Peaches rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber and potassium.

Blueberries filled with fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamins B6 and phytonutrient content. It is also said to support heart health. 

Blackberries loaded with vitamin C, low in calories, sodium and are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Plums contain antioxidant protection from the phenols.

Kiwi are a great source of Vitamin C – higher than lemons and oranges! The fruit helps induce sleep, is a good source of dietary fiber, helps in digestion and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A, C fiber and potassium.
Here are some simple (and yummy) ways to add more of these fruits to your diet.

Healing from the inside out 

1. Infuse water to make a refreshing flavorful summer sipper without added sweetener. Using a glass gallon jar place 2 cups of sliced fruit in jar, fill jar with water, let steep in refrigerator overnight. Discard the fruit and drink the water. Infused waters are best when you add more than one fruit. Also try using herbs. One of my favorite summer sippers is watermelon basil, yum!
2. Puree separately and set each aside, kiwi, blueberries, peaches, and blackberries. In a parfait glass layer the fruits, top with toasted coconut. When my kids were young not only did they love this dessert, they loved to help make it!
3. Simmer fruit with a touch of water and lemon juice (strain out seeds if using blackberries). Drizzle over coconut ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal.
4. Nothing says summer like a morning smoothie (use 1 serving of fruit per smoothie) or fresh homemade fruit popsicles.

Healing from the Outside-In.

Here is your chance to play with your food. Squish, mash and smooch your way to a healthy glow. Summer fruit properties are also healing when applied to skin. Filled with antioxidants, vitamin C & A, beta carotene and alpha-hydroxy acids they are anti-aging wonders. With everything from removing dead skin cells, revealing a healthy, youthful glow, preventing signs of aging, and smoothing and softening wrinkles, they are a skin powerhouse. 

1. Mix ½ cup of your infused water and add 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar for a anti-aging toner. Store in a spray bottle in the refrigerator.
2. Beat the heat with a homemade toner ice cube. Freeze your infused water in ice cube trays. Use ice as a toner in the shower. Cleanse your face and then tone it with a blast of skin loving goodness. The heat and cold in the shower is also an amazing pore workout!
3. Get your fruit glow on with an age defying face mask:

• 1-teaspoon watermelon juice
• 1-teaspoon peach
• ½ teaspoon blueberry
• 1-teaspoon facial clay (many sources online green or kaolin)
• 1 pinch bamboo charcoal (online or at Whole foods)
• Optional
• 1-teaspoon vegan or cow yogurt
• ½ teaspoon honey

4. Don’t throw your watermelon rinds away, they are filled with chlorophyll, and amino acids. Place 1 cup of rind in a blender or food processor and puree. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of watermelon flesh, I tablespoon yogurt and honey (optional for vegans) and mix again till puree. Remove from blender add ¼ cup salt to ¼ mixture.

Scrub body exfoliate from head to toe in the shower or bath. 

Whether your goal is better looking, more youthful skin, or overall improved health, summer fruits are your answer. Adding them to your day-to-day lifestyle will keep you in the glow.