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Sunday 9 September 2012

The seven super foods in September

From  GRReporter

Summer is coming to an end, but for a few more weeks we can enjoy the Summer fruit and vegetables and to meet the autumn ones, which have begun ripening. September is that thin line which separates summer and autumn, along with food, typical for each season. This is a good opportunity to try new tastes and to take the necessary nutrients from a colourful "palette" of fruit and vegetables, as notices the Huffington Post newspaper.
Here are a few examples of some of the most favourite autumn healthy foods:

Apples

Why we like them: The main autumn fruit, full of natural fibres, which create a feeling of satiety. Moreover, they are associated with the reduction of cholesterol and the prevention of obesity and contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
How to enjoy them: prefer them raw, especially in September, when you can find them easily and eat them with the skin, because the plant fibres are there. Combine them with proteins - for example, with 10 almonds or with organic peanut butter for a light snack. When the weather starts getting cold, eat them roasted with a little cinnamon or drink freshly squeezed apple juice.
Red bell peppers

Why we like them: bell peppers in general, but mainly the red ones, contain an overwhelming amount of vitamin C, even more than a whole orange!, as well as a plenty of potassium. This crunchy vegetable contains the skin soothing vitamin A. In addition, their natural sweetness can help to limit the use of sweets.
How to enjoy them: Try them grilled or mix them with chickpeas and tahini for a home-made hummus. And of course you can enjoy them raw in salads.
Pears

Why we like them: like apples, pears are rich in natural fibre and vitamin C, and at the end of summer we can easily find them. Juicy pears especially hydrate us and keep us away from overeating because the water creates a feeling of fullness.
How to enjoy them: Like apples, it is better to eat them with their skin. You can also enjoy them in refreshing smoothies.
Tomatoes

Why we like them: Only a few weeks remain until the end of tomatoes' season and we cannot get enough of this low-calorie and vitamin C-rich vegetable. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has an anti-cancer effect.
How to enjoy them: Cooking helps strengthen the action of lycopene, so use them in sauces. Enjoy them raw as well, on sandwiches or in salads or in dishes where tomatoes can actually improve the taste - like omelette.
Grapefruit

Why we like them: This citrus fruit can be found almost throughout the year, but the season starts in September. Just half a fruit contains more than 75% of the required daily amount of vitamin C, and studies have shown that by eating half a grapefruit before meals we can lose weight.
How to enjoy them: Cut one ripe fruit in half and eat it for breakfast or in a dessert. Without the skin, cut in pieces, the grapefruit is ideal for salads. You can use it in juices or cocktails.
Cucumber

Why we like them: It has few calories and is one of the most hydrating foods with 96% water content. It is also a source of magnesium and potassium, which are important for bone development.
How to enjoy them: You can enjoy cucumbers raw or in pickles, sandwiches or salads.
Blueberry

Why we like them: All mulberry fruits are very good for the health, but blueberries are superb. They are low in calories, rich in antioxidants, which are associated with the reduction of cholesterol, the risk of diabetes and they prevent the weakening of mental ability.
How to enjoy them: Make a refreshing summer smoothie or mix them with whole grains and yogurt for a healthy snack. You can also add them to salads.

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