Alas, it’s June and summer has officially arrived. This calls for long days under the sun, and cozy nights under the stars – and while we are out and about enjoying the hot summer days, wellness should remain top of mind. After all, long days call for more energy-packed goodness! 

We have you covered with five healthy in-season foods you may want to add to your summer ritual.

1. Strawberries: Have you ever attended a strawberry festival? If you have, you’ve probably witnessed all the ways this sweet fruit can be incorporated in strawberry milkshakes, tarts, shortcakes and beyond. However, aside from the fact that strawberries make for some of our most nostalgic desserts, they are jam-packed with antioxidants that protect the heart and help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and stroke. 

2. Blueberries: Another antioxidant-packed fruit is no other than the blueberry. This fruit contains a plant compound called anthocyanin which not only gives it the color blue, but also gives life to many of its benefits. Over time, blueberries have been booming in skincare products, as they are known to be great for skin health. In addition, they also help the heart and support bone health. Tip: Sprinkle on top of your favorite breakfast – they make for a great parfait! 

3.  Tomatoes: I’m sure you’ve heard that Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, but so are tomatoes! Not only are they rich in vitamin C, they contain potassium, folate, and vitamin K. And like most berries, they too, help prevent heart disease and cancer. Best part, you can use them in so many recipes. Whether it’s in your soup, on your sandwich, or as the sauce to your pasta, there’s really not much you can’t use them for. 

4. Beets: Not a fan of beets? Maybe it’s time to reconsider. Beets, also known as beetroot, are packed with goodness like vitamin B9, which is responsible for helping cells grow and function. They also help fight against inflammation. If you are planning to be active this summer, adding beetroot to your smoothie or juice is a great idea as beets increase blood flow to your muscles and are known to improve performance during exercise. 

5. Bell Peppers: Just like the tomatoes on our list, bell peppers also contain an essential vitamin for the summer, as it helps protect against sun damage, if you guessed vitamin C, you’re absolutely right. According to Healthline, a single bell pepper can provide up to 169% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Which means, you could replace your vitamin C supplement for a bell pepper if you wanted to. Otherwise, they make for a wonderful topping or ingredient. Aside from the vitamin C, bell peppers also contain vitamin K1 (for the bones), Vitamin A (great for anti-aging), vitamin E (for healthy nerves), and that’s just to name a few!