Nu Origins
Enjoying African American food during the summertime is often a challenge, but it’s something no one really thinks about.
The climate gets hotter, causing millions to face dry and allergy-riddled conditions. What most people don’t concern themselves with is what should be eaten during such a scorching season.
The human body needs to be hydrated, and skin is preferable when it’s soft and shinny.
Here are some fruits to consider to stay healthy in the summertime.
Keep It Real
First of all, eating real fruits is the best option for any seasonal occasion. Sure, strawberry ice cream or a Coke infused fruit drink might seem like to consuming fruits for some. However, nothing compares to eating raw fruits than eating them direct.
Fruits contain water and vitamins, making them useful sources for many nutrients. They’re also a refreshing way to distract one’s self from the summer heat.
Oranges
Oranges are common, yet good fruits to eat during summer. Oranges contain vitamin C, which promotes healthy skin since it’s an anti-aging agent.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain punicic acid, ellagic acid, antioxidant, and omega 5 which are helpful for the skin. Its juice is useful in diarrhea, a common problem in summer because of the fatty and sugary food that are often eaten. It increases the good cholesterol level in blood and iron also increases the body’s immune system.
Berries
Whether it’s strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries, they make a convenient snack for on-the-go commutes. They all have a commonality in regulating the heart, preventing cancer, and promoting antioxidants.
Lemons
Lemons are affordable fruit for the summer. They’re a great source of vitamin C and they promote skincare. Lemons prevent acne, blemishes, and wrinkles. They’re a great benefit for weigh loss as it helps improves digestion and boosts the immune system. Lemon water or lemonade, regardless of how one consumes it, is healthy.
Watermelons
Watermelons hydrate one’s body. Its watery goodness contains nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that heal the body.
With its vitamin A, watermelons protect eyes and immune systems. It’s 92 percent water, so it’s low in fat and sugars. Watermelon has potassium, magnesium, and amino acids, meaning it’s good for reducing high blood pressure and promotes good blood circulation.
It’s also a great source for vitamin B6, which calms down the nerves, critical during the heat.
Mangos
Mangos are often associated with Indian and Caribbean culture for a reason. This fruit really can beat the heat. There are two ways to enjoy mangos, unripe or ripe. Mangos are excellent sources of carotenes, vitamin C, and copper, providing 184 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, 61 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, and 20 percent of the daily value of copper.
Ripe mangos have nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. Consuming ripe mangos with black salt helps prevention from the loo, reduces acidity, increases immune system, and reduces the vomiting sensation.
Coconut Water
Coconut water has a ton of benefits. Drinking coconut water has nutrients which make one feel refreshed, and it has minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and sodium.
Besides coconut water quenching one’s thirst, it also boosts immunity and kills certain harmful organisms in our body.
Instead of a caffeinated cold drink, coconut water is the best and most natural alternative to iced coffee and soda.
Pineapples
Pineapples are typical fruits that, like oranges, provides a daily dose of vitamin C. It’s low in calories and promotes manganese, which helps a health function in kidneys, pancreas, liver, and bones.
Most importantly, manganese helps the functionalities of the brain and nervous system throughout the body.
Herbs Can Help Too
For those not into fruits, there are herbs that provide relief during the summertime.
Mints
Mint is technically an aromatic plant, and these culinary herbs help cool down the stomach.
Because there’s so many fatty food and alcohol that’s available during the summertime, the stomach related issues are always constant.
It has antioxidants, phytonutrients, and menthol which help in digestion, soothing the stomach.
Green And Black Tea
Green and black tea are great sources in reducing aging. Green tea enhances antioxidant activity thus keeps one active, fresh, and memory sharp. It boosts the immune system to fight diseases.
Black tea has many health benefits, most of them stemming from the polyphenols it contains, a type of antioxidant.
Antioxidants are protective chemicals which prevent free radicals from damaging the body. Preferably, it would be wise to drink these beverage in iced tea forms but be mindful how much sugar particular brands contain.
Here are 10 African American Food
Jerk chicken is a classic appetizer. It originates from Jamaica, and when seasoned with local herbs and spices, it gives the smoky and spicy taste. Pineapple and lemon juice are must-have ingredients for this dish.
Orange chicken is another classic in the list of African American Food recipe. Its citrus lemon and orange juice marinated flavors with brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger makes it a sable.
Cuban sliders should be another dish to try this summer. They are Hawaiian rolls tucked with ham, swiss cheese, and dill pickles, topped with a Dijon mustard onion spread. It’s really easy to make and they don’t stick around for long! For such a savory sandwich, it’s recommended to drink something light like green or black iced tea.
Pineapple pork chops are a great way to add tropical flavor to your summer block parties. Serve it with a tangy relish to have a flavorful combo of sweet and salty!
Pomegranate BBQ pulled pork is another option to eat your pork based foods. It’s juice and tarty flavors is slow cooked and saucy.
A sweet dessert to have as breakfast or dinner is coconut French toast. This twist to French toast by simply adding coconut milk instead of regular milk will totally change the way you see French toast.
Trinidad Palau is made with either beef or chicken. The distinctive aroma comes from caramelized sugar seeding meat and then cooking with rice, coconut milk and pigeon peas. It’s usually served with slices of tomatoes, cucumber, or avocados. A play of spicy heat, savory and sweet.
Salmon patties are also on the list of African American Food recipes they are crispy fish burgers. Although, they can be enjoyed without a bun. Washing fish with lemons not only prevents users from getting sick, it adds zest to lean meal.
Watermelon salad is a fruit salad that combine to freshness of a watermelon, mixes it with an avocado and mint leaves, and sprinkles it with feta cheese.
Mango chicken curry consists of boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, mango, onion, ginger, garlic, curry, cumin, raisins, and coconut milk.
As an African American, you can also try some soul food recipes and some vegan base food.
