Get Ready for Summer Produce

For your prime produce picks, it's good to know what's in season as we move into summer! Summer produce covers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, providing different essential vitamins and nutrients. Next time you're at the market, keep an eye out for these summer picks so you know you're giving your body the support it needs.

Beets

When it comes to a source of Folate and Manganese, nothing beats beets.[1] Folate supports the production of SAM-e, which is important to neurotransmitter function and mood health; Manganese provides antioxidant support to protect cells from oxidative stress.†

Try It Roasted

• Cut three beets into 1" cubes, and toss with 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and pepper to taste.
• Put beets on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 430 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until soft.
• Toss beets with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Serve warm.

Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers are one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C, providing 128 mg per 100 g, which is over 100% of your daily suggested intake.[2] Vitamin C supports immune health and serves as an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body. Not only that, they're tasty too!†

Try It in a Bell Pepper Chickpea Salad

• In a large bowl, combine 1 can of rinsed, drained, unsalted chickpeas, 1 diced bell pepper and 1 cup of halved grape tomatoes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon capers.
• Pour dressing over vegetables—season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well and serve.

Lima Beans

Another fresh summer pick to consider is the simple lima bean. Lima beans are a source of Magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation and nerve, heart, and bone health.[3] Whip them up in any number of tasty ways, and you'll support your health and your appetite.†

Try It in a Lima Bean Stew

• In a large pan, sauté 1 chopped carrot, 1 stick of chopped celery, and 1 small onion in olive oil.
• Add 2 cloves of chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Stir in a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable stock, 2 cups lima beans, fresh or canned.
• Simmer for ten minutes and serve warm.

Tomatoes

Fill up your basket with some fresh tomatoes, a source of Vitamin K1, which helps maintain a healthy circulatory system. Tomatoes also provide Vitamin C, Folate, and Fiber, so you get a well-rounded dose of essential vitamins with each bite.[4]†

Try it in a Tomato Salad

• In a large bowl, mix 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup pickled onions, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
• Toss with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette.
• Season with pepper to taste.

Zucchini

Did you know that zucchini is a source of Vitamins A and C? [5,6]. Toss some zucchini in a summer salad or cook it on the grill. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eye function, so make sure to get your fill!†

Try it Roasted

• Quarter 4 zucchini lengthwise.
• Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Coat zucchini with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
• Roast zucchini for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Top with squeezed lemon.

Bottom Line

It's easy to ensure that both your stomach and your body are satisfied this summer with these tasty, nutritious picks. You might also consider a Nature Made® Multivitamin Supplement to help cover your bases and help fill in nutrient gaps your meals might miss.†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Beets, cooked, boiled, drained. FoodData Central. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2023:  https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169146/nutrients.
2. Peppers, sweet, red, raw. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170108/nutrients. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2023.
3. Lima beans, immature seeds, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169135/nutrients. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2023.
4. Tomato, roma. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1999634/nutrients. Published October 28, 2021. Accessed April 19, 2023.
5. Squash, summer, zucchini, includes skin, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169292/nutrients. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2023.
6. Squash, summer, zucchini, includes skin, frozen, unprepared. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168469/nutrients. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 20, 2023.