Zucchini

Grown for over 9000 years, zucchini may be the most popular summer squash among the many varieties. It comes in green and yellow colors and can be produced through the fall season. They are easy to grow, as just one plant will provide you with an abundant amount of food. Zucchini provides small amounts of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. The seeds are also extremely healthy to consume as they contain healthy fat, protein, B vitamins, and trace minerals. The bigger they get, the more they decrease in flavor so choose small, brightly colored varieties. Most times I will simply slice up a zucchini and eat it raw. I also enjoy it on the grill.

Cucumbers

The cucumber has become a favorite vegetable of mine and many members of my family. It is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory vegetables in the world. Remember, everyone experiences a certain level of inflammation in their body. The level of inflammation depends on many lifestyle choices like nutrition, exercise, stress-management, etc. Eating cucumbers will help rid your body of inflammation that causes wear and tear. Cucumbers contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid. These nutrients play a key role in protecting your body from heart disease, bone disease, and cancer. There are many ways to prepare cucumbers, but my favorite is simply slicing them up and eating them raw. They are a crisp, healthy addition to any meal, or great for a snack. This is another vegetable high in water content to help keep the body well-hydrated.

If you like to juice your vegetables, cucumbers are one of the best. Blend up cucumbers and parsley together with water and you will have a natural combination that promotes cell healing. And if you want to help clear up a skin problem, place some raw cucumber on your face for 15 minutes!

Watermelon

A very popular farmers market attraction right now is the watermelon. They are currently available by the truckload, as it is peak season to pick and eat this delicious food. Watermelon is about 90% water, so it is the perfect food to keep your body well-hydrated. It is one of the richest sources of the phytonutrient lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. It is especially protective of the brain, eyes, and prostate. Watermelon is also very high in glutathione. Glutathione is another very powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from many types of infections. Your body actually makes it's own glutathione. When your glutathione levels are optimized (at a healthy level), your immune system is very powerful. Even the seeds in watermelon can be ground up to make a tea that is great for preventing or treating bladder infections. These are just a few of the tremendous benefits to yet another super melon. I hope you get a chance to enjoy one before the season ends!

Cantaloupe - A Powerhouse Melon

One of my favorite foods to purchase at the farmers markets lately is the cantaloupe. This remarkable melon is refreshingly sweet and packed full of important nutrients. The light orange-colored flesh is jam packed with vitamin A, which is important for vision, growth, and fighting off infection. Cantaloupes may be the richest source of B vitamins of any fruit you can buy. B vitamins are a must for energy production. In fact, every cell in your body requires B vitamins to create energy. Cantaloupes also contain a rich supply of potassium, which is needed by your muscles (including your heart) to work properly. In addition to these nutrients, cantaloupes are full of water and fiber to hydrate you and aid in digestive health. This is an amazing fruit to add to your diet. Remember, the fresher the better. If you can’t grow these melons yourself, you may want to consider purchasing one at 7th and Q Streets in Lincoln, NE this Saturday morning from 8 AM – 12 PM. Of course, I’m talking about the Haymarket Farmers Market that takes place there every Saturday through October 10. Try a cantaloupe today and improve your health!