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Summer is the time of an abundance of fresh seasonal produce. Whether you grow your own garden, go to farm stands or a farmer’s market, there is a large variety of healthy veggies awaiting you.
If you have the room to store this bounty of goodness, you can home can or freeze vegetables so that they are available all year long, reported TODAY. While all vegetables contain nutrients, here are seven of the best summer veggies to eat.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a healthy, nutrient dense, summer vegetable . It is loaded with antioxidants, fiber and other benefits. According to Pioneer Women, zucchini is also very versatile and can be grilled, stuffed with rice and meat, and even turned into noodles for a pasta dish.
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Bell Peppers
Bell peppers thrive in hot weather, so they are very abundant in August. These healthy veggies come in a variety of colors, green, yellow, orange and red. The darker colors contain more antioxidants. You can enjoy peppers raw in salads or crudités, roasted, and cooked into a myriad of dishes.
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Cucumbers
Cucumbers are very hydrating making them an ideal summer veggie. But they also come with a host of health benefits including important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, Vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, protein, and fiber. You can use cucumbers as part of a green salad, as a cucumber salad, or to make homemade pickles.
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Tomatoes
While tomatoes can be categorized as a fruit, they are commonly used as a tomato, according to TODAY. They are actually one of the healthiest vegetables to eat. Just one medium tomato provides vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that is good for heart health and vision. Use tomatoes in salads, sources, soups, and just about everything.
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Arugula
Arugula is a leafy vegetable that is chock full of vitamins and minerals. While most people think of it as a leaf lettuce, arugula is actually a cruciferous vegetable like cauliflower and broccoli. This peppery flavored veggie is a natural source of nitrates which is very good for blood pressure control. Add some to your summer salad to help boost your health.
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Beets
Beets are also a super healthy summer root vegetable that is packed with fiber and other health benefits. While many people think of beets in terms of a cold borscht, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy beets. Add them to a smoothie, make a beet and quinoa salad, or simply roast them for a delicious side dish.
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Corn
What is summer without corn? While corn is a starchy veggie it doesn’t mean that it isn’t good for you. Corn contains fiber, B vitamins, and important antioxidants for eye health. You can boil, roast or grill corn for a barbeque, put it in a salad, and enjoy this veggie on or off the cob.
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