By Jane Ward

After months of cold weather and stodgy winter food the light and refreshing summer foods that are coming into season are a welcome change. These summer super foods are brimming with vital vitamins and minerals that are vital to your wellbeing.

Blueberries

Although Blueberries grow all year round they’re at their best in summer. Even though frozen blueberries taste just as good as fresh, the freezing process can damage some of the nutrients.

An entire cup full of blueberries contains just 80 calories and is full of anti-oxidants, vitamin c and fiber. Now they’re coming into season there’s no better time to start getting them into your diet, try adding a few to your morning cereal or putting some in a healthy smoothie.

Apples

Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fibre that has been proven to help lower cholesterol. So an apple a day may really help to keep the doctor away.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain very high levels of vitamin C, in fact 8 strawberries have more vitamin c than an entire orange. For a really tasty and easy summer smoothie blend together strawberries and blueberries with some low fat vanilla frozen yogurt.

Artichokes

Artichokes are a source of vitamin C and K. They also contain, manganese, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and copper which are good for lowering cholesterol, strengthening nails and hair, helping the body to utilise iron and helping bone structure.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates can help to reduce your chances of developing atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries which can lead to heart attacks. The most natural way to get pomegranates into your diet is to eat the fruit however many natural pomegranate juices are just as good.

Raspberries

Raspberries are full of antioxidants and mineral manganese which can support an active metabolism.  , which supports an active metabolism. A cup full of raspberries will provide a third of your daily intake of fiber and contains less than 100 calories.

Grapes

Grapes are a rich source of vitamins A, C andB6 as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium as well as powerful antioxidants which can help prevent ageing.