Five fruits and vegetables you should be eating this summer

With so many fruits and vegetables in season and readily available, summer is a great time to enjoy produce that is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here are five fruits and vegetables we suggest you and your family should enjoy plenty of this summer.

1) Apricots

Apricots are thought to have supplied the nectar referred to by Greeks and Romans as "the nectar of the gods." It’s a fitting description since this stone fruit is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. In addition, apricots are a guilt-free summer treat, since one piece of fruit contains just 17 calories.

2) Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another low-calorie produce that’s in season during summer months. One serving of cauliflower contains 77% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C, 20% of your Vitamin K RDI, 14% of your Folate RDI, and 11% of your Vitamin B6 RDI. It serves as a low-carb substitute for many starchy foods, like rice and potatoes (Cauliflower wings, anyone?!). And it contains just 25 calories per cup!

3) Artichokes

Artichokes are technically thistles, but they’re often referred to as vegetables, and are surprisingly healthy! A medium artichoke contains more protein than most vegetables, as well as 25% of your Vitamin C RDI, 24% of your Vitamin K RDI, 22% of your Folate RDI, and a whopping 7 grams of fiber! An artichoke contains just 60 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.

4) Cherries

With some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit, cherries are another healthy summertime indulgence. Cherries are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. Cherries also help protect against diabetes, insomnia, gout, and high cholesterol. Not only is it important to know preventative steps, but it's also important to know how is gout diagnosed. A one-cup serving contains just 77 calories!

5) Fava beans

Summer is a great time to enjoy fava beans, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. One serving of fava beans contains 40% of your Folate RDI, 21% of your Phosphorus RDI, 18% of your Magnesium RDI, as well as 36% of your Manganese RDI -- a mineral that improves brain and nervous system health. Another reason fava beans improve brain health is because they contain L-Dopa, a neurotransmitter that can improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.