Yyou traded your sweater for a swimsuit and full coverage foundation for a tinted sunscreen… It’s good to have you back, summer. While you take the opportunity to shed a layer and reveal some skin, your skin may still be working in winter mode. A little help here?
Before you rush to your collection of scrubs and serums, hear this: You can support radiant skin in summer and nourish your body while it’s there—just by adding a little seasonal fruit into your life. In fact, according to registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, what you eat plays a major role in your skin’s health, and a superfood is leading to the best summer skin ever. your.
Enter sweet cherries grown in the Northwest. When eaten regularly, studies show that this nutrient-rich fruit can help fight inflammation and muscle soreness, improve cognitive health, increase the quality of your sleep, and more. bright-sorry, go—go ahead and add skin support to that list, Manaker said.
Here’s why: First, sweet cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help stabilize free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress, potentially speeding up your skin’s aging process. . They’re also a natural source of vitamins A (which can help support your skin’s natural hydration) and C (which plays an important role in collagen synthesis), says Manaker. And when it comes to sun protection, “vitamin C can also help counteract the effects UV rays can have on the skin,” which is especially important during the summer heat.
Sweet cherries are also a natural source of serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan, compounds that can help improve the length and quality of your sleep. “There’s a reason people refer to getting enough zzz as ‘beautiful sleep’,” says Manaker. Adequate rest allows your organs—including your skin—more time to repair, recover, and return to a radiant state.
Manaker loves to eat sweet cherries straight out of the box, whether she’s on the go or enjoying an afternoon snack with her kids (the high fiber and low glycemic index make them great). make a wonderful sweet snack for young children). However, if you want to get creative in the kitchen, try these simple and nutritious recipes. On their own, they’re delicious and the fact that they can also help support your long-awaited radiant skin? Consider that cherry on top.
Manaker loves to start his summer mornings with a healthy, nutritious smoothie. Superfoods like Greek yogurt and chia seeds fuel anything for the day, and the refreshing sweet cherries give this blend its gorgeous color and rich flavor.
To elevate any meal (fish cakes, anyone?) or spark an hour of impromptu fun, prepare a batch of sweet and savory salsa. Pair it with fries and avocado, and feel free to advertise your secret dose of fruits and veggies—such as onions, bell peppers, garlic, jalapeño peppers, and of course, cherries—you’re on the good side. service.
Speaking of hours of fun, try this easy-to-make bruschetta for your next outdoor evening. This fun and colorful twist on the classic Italian appetizer is made with cherries, lemons, and coriander — all antioxidant-rich summer staples (read as : light enhancement).
The best part? These bites require minimal cooking time, which Manaker says is key to entertaining during the hottest months. “Summer needs cool foods that don’t require much preparation in the kitchen.” Check test.
What says summer more than fish on the grill? Toss a piece of wild salmon — or any other locally caught salmon — with a sweet cherry chutney. It comes with ginger root, which is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce redness and puffiness, and red wine vinegar, which contains antioxidants that can help fight skin damage.
Double up on this recipe and stock up on this summer dressing for your next grilled chicken breast, veggie sandwich, or chopped salad. It is a gift that keeps giving… and shining.
You’ve found a way to incorporate sweet cherries into all your snacks and savory meals—now it’s time for delicious, old-fashioned cakes. As cherries ripen, their juices release and diminish, which creates a natural sweetness that is combined with less than a cup of added sugar. In other words, you can enjoy dessert for breakfast without a problem in the middle of the morning.
Staying hydrated throughout the summer is important, so don’t forget to incorporate the sweet cherries into your drinks. Mix a big batch of this citrus blend together, get creative with your favorite fruity additions, and invite your group over for patio primetime.
Ready to try these recipes—and many more? Click here to add to your summer lineup and discover all the light-enhancing benefits of cherries.
