10 Essential Fruits and Vegetables to Eat in July

For responsible consumption, choose fresh, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables.

The days are getting longer, the temperature is rising and the terraces are filling up. No doubt, summer has arrived. What's more tempting than a great table to feast on delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. To keep the body and mind light, discover ten essential fruits and vegetables for the month of July.

1. Tomato

This fruit with Mediterranean notes is an excellent health ally. Indeed, tomatoes help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent some cancers, such as prostate cancer. Its main virtues are due to lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in which tomato abounds.

2. Cucumber

In addition to being extremely refreshing, cucumber is very low in calories, since 95% of cucumber is made up of water. Ideal to keep slim, it also has a strong antioxidant action and fights against free radicals.

3. Bean

This legume, with very little fat, is a valuable source of fiber and protein. In addition to some antioxidant properties, the bean may be useful in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

4. Lettuce

Curly, pommed, iceberg or Roman. Lettuce comes in all shapes and all sizes. Composed of 15% to 35% soluble fiber depending on the variety, lettuce facilitates digestion and has a beneficial impact on the absorption of cholesterol.

5. Green onion or cebette

Softer than its white counterpart, green onion is ideal to complement your summer dishes and salads. Some of its compounds have a strong antioxidant power. Like most plants in the family of alliaceae, vines have a recognized protective effect against certain cancers such as those of the intestine, the esophagus or the stomach.

6. Fig

With up to 30% soluble fiber and 70% insoluble fiber, the fig is a valuable ingredient for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Moreover, it is full of antioxidants, mainly concentrated in its skin. Delicious as such, the fig also perfectly accompanies some salty dishes.

7. Brugnon or nectarine

Brugnon, or nectarine, is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, in addition to being particularly rich in fiber. Choose organic to consume the skin and enjoy all the health benefits of this sun-drenched fruit.

8. Clover

Loquat is a small orange fruit whose flesh is acidic and sweet. Characterized by its high content of vitamins, minerals and tannin, loquat has medicinal properties. It is good for calming intestinal disorders or soothing nervousness.

9. Strawberry

As a dessert or to accompany a salad, strawberries are the fruit of summer. Rich in flavonoids, the strawberry is full of antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a food for both pleasure and health.

10. Watermelon

Thirst-quenching, the watermelon is 92% water, making it a particularly light snack for those who watch their waistline. Red, pink, white or yellow, watermelon is a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, mainly concentrated in its seeds.