With the summer coming to an end, the heat goes for one last burst before the fall. This means the fruits and vegetables at the end of this season are an absolute must. August is all about beating the heat and prioritizing our skin care. This is why this month’s fruits and vegetables have so much hydration and vitamins. Not only do we see high water content in our summer foods but also sun protection! Summer fruits and vegetables are chock-full of foods to help replenish our electrolytes and provide us with lightweight energy. Most, if not all of us, are looking for foods that help us beat the heat and boost our energy. What better way to do just that than to fill your plate with powerful fruits and vegetables designed to burn fat and even slow down aging. Just like that, summer has even more of a reason to be our favorite season.

Let’s face it, we all want to look and feel our best. One of the best ways to do just that is by providing our bodies with the building blocks they need. During the month of August, mother nature fills our cupboards with fruits and vegetables that help bring out the best in all of us. Summer fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that support immunity, slow aging, boost metabolic rate, improve skin and hair health, support your heart health, and more! The following is a list of the best vegetables in August along with their health benefits.

Crazy Cabbage

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, and it’s one of the oldest known vegetables. Its fiber and water content can help to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract. With a mere 33 calories per cup, cabbage is high in fiber and contains zero fat. Cabbage is frequently recommended to people who want to lose weight since it is packed with so many nutrients and its high fiber content makes it quite filling. Cabbage can also be used to help lower your cholesterol. Its fiber and nutrients bind with bile acids in the intestine and pass out in the stool, rather than being absorbed into the blood. Eating it steamed gives it more cholesterol-lowering power. Cabbage is an excellent source of the ever-so-important vitamin C, crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. The sulfur-containing compound, sulforaphane, which gives these vegetables their bitter taste, is also what specifically gives them their cancer-fighting power. Sulforaphane has been shown to inhibit the progression of cancer cells. Anthocyanins, the powerful antioxidants that give red cabbage its vibrant color, have been shown to slow the formation and even kill already-formed cancer cells. 

Inflammation causes unnecessary pain and discomfort and can also lead to a host of other diseases and ailments. Glutamine, an amino acid found in cabbage, is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce joint pain, arthritis, and ease allergies. Cabbage is considered one of the top 10 best food sources of glutamine. Cabbage, particularly the purple variety, is powerful brain food. It contains vitamin K, and the antioxidant anthocyanin, which boosts mental function and concentration. Anthocyanin is also effective at reducing plaque on the brain, preventing the deterioration of short- and long-term memory. Researchers have identified nearly twenty different flavonoids and fifteen different phenols in cabbage, all of which demonstrate antioxidant activity. These antioxidant nutrients play a role in decreasing your risk of several cardiovascular diseases. Cabbage also contains the beneficial minerals calcium and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure. Cabbage contains a wealth of different antioxidants that can turn around the aging process of your skin. Cabbage is high in energy-boosting B vitamins, including B1, B2, and B6.  It is thought to clear the body of congeners, by-products of the fermentation process. In addition, the high fiber content of cabbage helps to absorb the alcohol acetaldehyde. 

Rocking Radishes

Radishes contain high levels of water. Vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc, and some components of the B-12 complex. These ingredients are vital to maintaining proper hydration and standard skin conditioning. They are also beneficial to relieving constipation, improving your digestion system, and maintaining an adequate intake of the nutrients from the food you eat. Radish is known to control damage to our red blood cells, and in the process also increases oxygen supply to the blood. ​​If you eat it as part of your daily salad intake, without going overboard, of course, radish also provides your system with ample roughage and fibers, therefore improving your digestion. It also regulates bile production, safeguards your liver and the gall bladder, and is great for taking care of water retention.

Radishes are a good source of anthocyanins that keep our hearts functioning properly, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Plus they are high on vitamin C, folic acid, and flavonoids too. ​​Radish also provides your body with potassium, which can help lower your blood pressure, and keep your blood flow in control, especially if you are known to suffer from hypertension. According to Ayurveda, radish is believed to have a cooling effect on the blood. Given that radish has high vitamin C, it can protect you from common cold and cough, and improve your basic immunity system. But you must consume it regularly. It also controls the development of harmful free radicals, inflammation, and early aging.

Caring Celery

Celery is filled to the brim with antioxidants and polysaccharides. Antioxidants can repair the damage caused by free radicals — one of the most common causes of inflammation. There are over a dozen forms of antioxidants contained within celery. These include quercetin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. Celery is a great home remedy for inflammatory issues which include joint point, IBS, kidney infections, and UTIs. Another benefit of eating celery on a regular basis is its ability to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. There is a compound called BuPh in celery that can lower lipid. Furthermore, if you add more celery into your meals or start taking celery supplements, you’ll find that your triglyceride concentration, total cholesterol, and lipoprotein cholesterol will all be decreased. Excessively high cholesterol levels make it difficult for your body to move blood around your arteries which can lead to heart disease and even cardiac arrest. Eating celery regularly will ensure that the free flow of your blood across your body is safeguarded.

Celery seed extracts are particularly good for treating high blood pressure because they hold anti-hypertensive properties. Celery is also filled with high amounts of calcium and potassium. In addition, celery contains muscle-relaxing capabilities which can regulate your blood pressure and ensure you don’t get a stroke. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria, boost the efficiency of your immune system, and fight any bacterial infections that might be manifesting within your body. Most people just rely on antibiotics to deal with any bacterial infections that they may be dealing with. Celery has the ability to lower your blood pressure which could further aid digestion. In this regard, celery is the best vegetable for killing two birds with one stone. Celery can help decrease the frequency of urinary tract infections due to the fact that it can increase the production of urine and lower the levels of uric acid in your body. It also holds antibacterial properties which can ward off any harmful bacteria before they even have the chance to manifest into a full-blown infection.

Calming Cucumbers

Cucumber is considered a good source of nutritious fiber that will help your body function properly. The combination of fiber and water in cucumbers can help prevent constipation and can increase regularity. This is why dieticians advise diabetics to consume it regularly, as it can cause the pancreas to secrete the right amount of insulin, thus helping in regulating the sugar produced. Cucumbers are also a source of calcium necessary to eliminate the risks of low bone density and fractures. Do not fail to add cucumber to your diet, as you will enjoy having strong bones and cartilages despite advancing in years. Cucumber also helps to improve the absorption of calcium, enhancing the repair of bone muscles. Cucumber is known for its anti-cancer properties. It can reduce the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body and decrease the risk of cancer cells developing in your body.

The water content and Vitamin C present in cucumber can arrest the spread of damaged cells in your body, thus saving you from multiple chronic inflammatory conditions, including heart ailments. The antioxidants in cucumber will fight inflammation by boosting the immune effects of your body. Sulfur and silicon present in cucumber can help strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. You will have improved hair growth with the hair becoming soft and silky to the touch. The water content of cucumber can flush out all toxins from your body. This can go a long way in preventing kidney stones while the existing stones and debris present in the bladder get removed from the body by urination.

Envious Eggplants 

Whether you’re dealing with indigestion, constipation, flatulence, or want to maintain healthy digestive health, including eggplant in your diet may be the way to go. Eggplants not only soothe many kinds of digestive issues but can also increase the absorption of nutrients from other foods you eat alongside them. It’s also rich in prebiotics, a type of fiber that helps feed your good gut bacteria (probiotics) and boost their population. Eggplants are rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, making them a great addition to the diet to promote bone health. Nasunin is the most abundant type of anthocyanin antioxidant contained in eggplants. It helps fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which is a foundation for most diseases. It also protects against cell mutations, cell death, and DNA and cell membrane damage caused by oxidation. 

Eggplants have long been recognized as a powerful heart-healthy food, but many don’t realize that they can even lower cholesterol levels. In fact, one study found that eggplants possess the same ability to lower LDL cholesterol as statin drugs. There are several ways that eggplant can help you lose weight. First, it is high in fiber, and fiber has been shown to aid in healthy digestion and weight loss. Additionally, being low in calories means that eggplant can aid in appetite control while satisfying your hunger cravings between meals. Plus, it also helps fill you up more quickly, so you don’t overeat when it’s time for a meal. 

Healthy Coleslaw

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

• 1/2 medium head of purple cabbage shredded
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1/2 medium head of green cabbage shredded
• 1 cup cilantro chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions chopped
• 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp date syrup
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Into a large bowl combine all the ingredients for the slaw except for the nuts and seeds. Toss the slaw until well combined. Into a small bowl combine the dressing making sure to combine well. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss. Top with nuts and seeds.

Grape Avocado Salad

Gluten-free, Vegan, Serves 4

• 6 cups arugula
• 1 avocado pitted and cubbed
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 2 cups grapes halved
• 1/2 cup vegan feta
• 1 cup walnuts chopped

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 Tbsp date syrup
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Into a small bowl combine all the ingredients and mix well. Using a large mixing bowl toss all the remaining ingredients and pour the dressing over the top.

Cold Cucumber Soup

Gluten-free, Vegan, Serves 5

• 2 large European cucumbers halved and seeded
• 1 1/2 cups Vegan Greek yogurt
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 small shallot minced
• 1/3 cup dill fresh
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp tarragon leaves
• 1/2 red onion minced
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Into a blender, combine the cucumber with the yogurt, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, dill, parsley, tarragon, and 1/4 cup of oil. Blend until smooth, and season to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Season again before serving and garnish with onions, oil, and additional chopped cucumbers.

Thai Quinoa Salad

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 4

• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup green onions sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup almond butter creamy
• 3 Tbps coconut amino
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp fresh ginger minced
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 lime juiced
• pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions:

Cook quinoa in water over medium to high heat. Until tender and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine all the ingredients for the dressing together until well combined. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except for the nuts and toss in the dressing. Once combined toss the salad in the dressing and top with nuts.

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. There are tons of foods you can add to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

 Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!