As summer reaches its peak, gardens and markets overflow with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These produce items are in their prime, and eating seasonally means that you are tasting the freshest items with the most nutrients. Not to mention, these produce items are often at the best prices. 

August is a great time to find fruits and vegetables that may not be in season for much longer. Get your hands on them while the gettin’s good for the final month of summer. You can enjoy crisp vegetables, juicy melons, and a variety of stone fruit. Incorporating seasonal produce items into your diet can not only enhance your meals, but also boost your health. What’s in season during August? Continue reading to learn about a variety of August’s best fruits and vegetables. 

August Fruits That Are In Season

Peaches

Nothing quite like a juicy, refreshing peach on a hot summer day. You can always differentiate a peach from a nectarine because the skin is slightly fuzzy. They come in yellow and white varieties and boast high amounts of vitamins A & C, fiber, antioxidants, and other plant compounds that support digestion and boost immune function. Eat them raw or add them to salads, smoothies, desserts, and more. 

Berries

Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are low-carb fruits that burst with intense flavor and nutrients. All berries are naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, but they also offer vitamin K and fiber. Many research studies confirm that berries contain plant compounds that support brain health and aid inflammation reduction. Enjoy berries in their raw form, or add them to salads, jams, sauces, dressings, or yogurt. 

Mango

Take a trip to the tropics when you indulge in mangos this summer. Packed with lots of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A & C, mangos may help support eye health and immune function. Mango is a great fruit to enjoy on its own, but spice things up by seasoning it with some chili powder and lime juice. You can also add mango to smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, and desserts. 

Kiwi

Coming in golden and green varieties, kiwis are small fruits that exhibit a slightly sweet and tart flavor. The green kiwis are a bit more sour than the golden ones. They exhibit an impressive vitamin C content, but also offer fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other nutrients that work to enhance immune and digestive function. Slice and enjoy raw, or add to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. 

Papaya

With a sweet flavor and soft orange flesh, papaya is a beautiful fruit to enjoy this summer. If you can, get your hands on a Hawaiian papaya, as that type is much sweeter and more flavorful than the larger ones from Mexico. Papayas are naturally rich in vitamins A & C, in addition to papain, a powerful enzyme that benefits gut health. Eat papaya raw with a spoon (just remove the seeds), or add to desserts, puddings, smoothies, salads, and more. 

August Vegetables That Are In Season

Bell Peppers

Did you know that bell peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges? These green, yellow, orange, and red peppers are sweet summer veggies that offer impressive antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A & C. Studies confirm that they help sustain eye health and enhance immune function. Enjoy them in salads, in stir-fry dishes, on sandwiches, roasted, or grilled. 

Green Beans

Tender, crisp, and highly refreshing with a subtly sweet flavor, green beans provide a lot of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Green beans have been known to boost eye health and enhance the digestive process. You can add them to salads, enjoy them as a snack, or steam, sauté, air-fry, or grill these nutritious summer veggies. 

Okra

One of the things that people dislike about okra is the slimy texture. That is also why people bread and fry this vegetable, which unfortunately makes it unhealthy. Make okra healthier by grilling it or sautéing it with a little olive oil, onion, and garlic. It is naturally rich in vitamins C & K, antioxidants, fiber, and other plant compounds that aid heart function. 

Spinach

Spinach is one of the most easily accessible leafy greens. Although you can typically find it in grocery stores year round, it is a summer vegetable. It has a mild, subtly sweet flavor and is rich in iron, magnesium, folate, vitamins A, C, & K, and valuable antioxidants. Some studies indicate that spinach offers anti-inflammatory properties and may protect eye health. Consume it raw in salads or smoothies, or sauté or steam spinach. You can even add it to soups or casseroles. 

Tomatoes

Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are typically associated with and used like vegetables. They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, especially if you get heirloom varieties, which offer the best flavor. Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that benefits heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Enjoy tomatoes on sandwiches, in salads, soups, sauces, and roasted dishes, or snack on cherry tomatoes.

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If ever there was a duo to boost digestive function, it is pineapple and papaya. These two tropical fruits, while incredibly bright and delicious, offer impressive health benefits, specifically for immune, skin, and digestive health. Given that papaya is a classic summer fruit, there is no better time to get your hands one for this smoothie. Pineapple is considered a spring and summer fruit, despite the fact that they are typically available throughout the year. During the summer, though, you may notice that the price of a pineapple goes down, meaning it is in season.

You’ll love this smoothie for several reasons, primarily because of the refreshing tropical flavors and nutritional content. We are talking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and an array of antioxidants. The omega-3s and protein come primarily from flaxseeds, which also offer a great nutty flavor. As a pro tip, make sure to use ground flaxseed, as the whole seeds may not properly blend with smoothie ingredients. Flaxseed also offers beneficial fiber, helping to ensure regular bowel movements. The smoothie also contains coconut oil, which offers healthy fats and makes the smoothie more filling. Not into adding coconut oil to your smoothie? Feel free to add the same amount of raw almond butter instead!

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You know what’s unfortunate? It’s the fact that papaya does not get a lot of love during the summer months. Papaya is a delicious, must-try fruit that is naturally sweet and creamy. When you blend the papaya with the homemade almond milk, chia seeds, and other ingredients, the result is a smooth chia pudding that is almost less chia and more pudding. That means that if you tend to steer clear of chia pudding because of the lumpy, tapioca-like texture, this recipe is for you.

Besides being incredibly tasty and tropical, papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit. Research indicates that papaya may improve everything from blood glucose levels in people with diabetes to blood pressure levels for people prone to heart disease. Many scientists attribute papaya’s benefits to papain, a proteolytic enzyme in papaya. It works to break down proteins into smaller fragments, which is why papain is used as a meat tenderizer. Some research shows that papain may reduce inflammation related to joint conditions, in addition to neuropathic pain from fibromyalgia.

When it comes to choosing your papaya, you do not want a green one, unless you plan on making green papaya salad. There are two main varieties of papaya: Hawaiian and Mexican. The former variety is much smaller, a little more expensive, and packs a sweeter flavor than the larger Mexican papayas, which tend to have a milder flavor. Whichever papaya you choose, make sure to scoop out the seeds first before blending the flesh with the chia pudding ingredients.

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The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

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Imagine a cute little jar layered with creamy goodness and vibrant colors. Well, you just clicked on that recipe! This mango papaya chia pudding is slightly different than the standard chia pudding recipe we usually post. This culinary creation is a tropical treat that is perfect in the middle of fall! It has a layer of creamy mango and papaya for the base with classic chia pudding on top. It’s almost like a chia pudding parfait! You can layer that mango papaya mixture several times between the chia pudding if you want to create a uniquely textural and more visually stunning dish.

The unique thing about chia seeds is that they turn into gelatinous pearls when you soak them in liquid, be it almond milk, water, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Seeds plus liquid somehow equals something similar to tapioca? Yes, yes indeed! Chia seeds are also nutritional powerhouses, replete with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and more. Omega-3s are great for heart and brain function, while fiber aids digestive health.

Not only is mango sweet, juicy, and downright irresistible, but it is also loaded with vitamin C, making it a fabulous immune booster Mangos also contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds, which work to fight off pesky free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress. Finally, you have papaya, which offers a smooth texture and subtle sweetness. This fruit is a digestion hero because it contains papain, an enzyme that works to break down protein. Papaya also contains substances that may accelerate the healing of infections and small wounds.

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Sip your way into a world of vibrance with our blood orange sherbet smoothie that bursts with tropical, sweet, and tart flavors. This delightful smoothie contains three simple ingredients: fresh raspberries, papaya, and freshly squeezed blood orange juice. You will need about five blood oranges to get the right amount of juice for this smoothie. The blood orange juice offers a wonderful tartness with a sweet undertone that makes you feel like you’re sipping a tropical beverage on a tranquil beach.

Although you won’t eat the blood oranges, take a second to appreciate their beauty before you juice them. Their flesh resembles a tie dye tapestry of oranges and reds. It is truly a beautiful fruit that tastes just as good as it looks. Blood oranges exhibit an exquisite tanginess that goes hand in hand with the fresh raspberries. Needless to say, this smoothie is replete with antioxidant compounds and lots of vitamin C.

Sure, the raspberries and blood orange juice provide lots of vitamin C, but let’s not forget about the mighty papaya. This fruit is naturally rich in fiber, vitamin A, and papain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down the protein you eat. Make sure to cube your papaya, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze overnight the day before you make this smoothie. Frozen papaya will give this smoothie a creaminess that you wouldn’t get if you used fresh fruit and ice. Trust us when we tell you that this is the way to go!

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What are enzymes and how do they benefit the body? They are biological catalysts that accelerate certain chemical reactions in the body. Think of an apple that starts to turn brown from air exposure. Well, that is because enzymes in the apple react to the oxygen present in the room. There are other enzymes that are particularly beneficial for digestive health, breaking down the food you eat and aiding nutrient absorption. 

You can obtain enzymes from a variety of sources, including supplements and foods. Nutritionists encourage people to consume foods that are rich in digestive enzymes as they optimize digestive health. Of the many enzymes in existence, there are three primary types of digestive enzymes, which work to break down macronutrients: 

• Amylases work to break down starches, which provide most of the energy that the body uses.
• Proteases help the body break down proteins, contributing to the repair and growth of bodily tissues.
• Lipases help the body digest fats and break down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. 

You can obtain most digestive enzymes from fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and many other foods. Continue reading to learn about great foods that are rich in digestive enzymes. 

Papaya

You may or may not be familiar with papain, a protease enzyme that aids protein digestion. Initial research indicates that papain may relieve heartburn and treat symptoms such as bloating and constipation. Although papain is available in supplement form, you can easily obtain it by eating some papaya cubes. Just make sure that you don’t eat too much. 

Bananas

Similar to honey, bananas contain amylase, which works to break down starch into sugars. Amylases are also responsible for sweetening bananas as they ripen, according to a 2016 study. Bananas also contain maltase, which breaks down malt sugars, food starches, and absorbable glucose. Research indicates that green bananas seem to be the most beneficial sources of digestive enzymes. Although some cereals contain small amounts of maltase, bananas are better and more nutritious whole-food options. 

Avocados

A 2016 review found that avocados are great sources of lipase. As stated earlier, lipase works to break down fats into smaller fatty acids, which the body can absorb more easily. The pancreas makes lipase, however, eating avocados can support digestion in other ways, as they are high in healthy fats and fiber. 

Garlic

If you love garlic, you are in luck! Keep the vampires and bloating at bay because garlic is rich in alliinase, which researchers have linked to lower blood pressure levels. Not only does that make alliinase a great enzyme for digestive health, but also for people at risk for heart problems. 

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, a protease that works to break down proteins during the digestive process. Bromelain may also reduce sinus and nasal inflammation, and some studies indicate that it aids wound healing and immune function. On top of all that, researchers note that bromelain exhibits antimicrobial properties, which have proven to fight Candida albicans, a bacteria that may cause fungal infections. 

Honey

Studies show that honey is one of the most potent enzymatic foods in existence. Raw organic honey contains diastase, amylase, glucose oxidase, alpha-glucosidase, and invertase. Similar to amylase, diastase works to break down starch by turning it into sugars. More research is necessary regarding the amount of honey you should consume for optimal digestive health. 

Kimchi

Kimchi, among other fermented foods, is great for the digestive system. It is a great source of lipase, protease, and amylase, all of which form during the fermentation process. Not only does that enhance the nutritional value of kimchi, but it also works to optimize digestive health.

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Some people don’t like to discuss the topic of bowel movements, or lack thereof. We embrace the taboo conversation topic because it is a common concern that can happen to anyone. Fortunately, there are many easily accessible, natural remedies that can help get things moving. One of the easiest ways to encourage that process is to consume fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, especially in smoothie form. 

Different foods contain different types of fiber, the primary two being soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel in the gut and works to feed healthy bacteria that inhabit the gut. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and draws water into the gut to aid the elimination of stool. You can click here to learn more about soluble and insoluble fiber. 

Can Smoothies Help Relieve Constipation?

Smoothies made with high fiber fruits like bananas, kiwis, and berries, in addition to chia seeds and flax seeds, can provide the gut with enough dietary fiber to relieve constipation. Some evidence indicates that increasing your intake of fruit can promote beneficial bacteria in the gut. Adding yogurt to smoothies can also help relieve constipation due to the presence of probiotics, which work to relieve constipation and optimize gut health. 

Smoothies For Toddlers

If toddlers suffer from constipation, make sure to choose gentle ingredients to encourage bowel movements. Ideally, introduce new ingredients gradually to ensure that the toddler can tolerate them. Consider consulting a pediatrician if you have concerns about the child’s diet or constipation. It goes without saying, but the instructions for all of the following recipes are very simple: add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth, and then enjoy. 

Banana Berry Smoothie

• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup mixed berries 
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup water

Tropical Delight Smoothie

• 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1/2 cup mango, cubed
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup papaya, cubed
• 1/2 cup coconut water

Peachy Fiber Smoothie

• 1 peach, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Smoothies For Kids And Adults

Kids and adults can tolerate ingredients a little better than toddlers can. That said, make sure that there are no food allergies or sensitivities prior to enjoying the following smoothies. For the following recipes, add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth, and then enjoy.

Berry Blast Smoothie

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 pear, cored and cubed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

Kiwi Banana Smoothie

• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tsp grade A maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk

Green Power Smoothie

• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup coconut water

Creamy Papaya Smoothie

• 1 cup papaya, cubed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup almond milk

Smoothies During Pregnancy

According to a 2021 survey, constipation was more prevalent during pregnancy and a few days after delivery than in females who were not pregnant. During pregnancy, it is integral to address constipation naturally because medications or laxatives may travel across the placenta and affect the fetus. As always, add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy. 

Creamy Oatmeal Smoothie

• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, cooled
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Tropical Fiber Smoothie

• 1 cup mango, cubed
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Green Berry Smoothie

• 1 cup spinach
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 cup almond milk

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For many people, papaya is a hit or miss fruit. Some people want to love it, but they just don’t know how to pick them or use them properly. Others want nothing to do with them, which is also acceptable. The reality is that papayas can be bitter on their own, especially if you don’t choose ripe fruits. That’s why blending papaya with other ingredients is a great entry point into your culinary journey with these nutritious fruits.

When buying papaya, choose one that has mostly yellow skin if you want to enjoy it right away, or within a couple days. It’s perfectly fine for papayas to have a little green on the skin when you buy them. Fully ripe papayas will be completely yellow on the outside and slightly firm and a little soft to the touch. You don’t want a papaya that is too soft, though. They don’t have a very assertive flavor profile, so you can mask their flavors with other ingredients, for example, the freshly squeezed orange juice, banana, and mango in this smoothie. We didn’t forget about the avocado; rather, avocados don’t take over smoothies, either. They just make smoothies incredibly creamy and even more nutritious.

Papayas are naturally rich in a digestive enzyme called papain. This enzyme, and other digestive enzymes, work to break down the food you eat in order for the body to digest it properly. That process enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients during digestion. Papain may also relieve symptoms of digestive discomfort, including constipation, bloating, gas, and more. Lastly, papayas are naturally rich in highly bioavailable beta-carotene and lycopene, two antioxidants that benefit immune, skin, and eye health.

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Cutting a papaya in half and eating it raw is a unique and delicious experience. Once you scoop the seeds out of the center, you can fill it with berries, bananas, granola, chia seeds, and more for a filling, tropical breakfast. Papaya is naturally sweet without being overpowering and it exhibits an impressive nutritional profile.

Papaya is naturally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, and lycopene. The carotenoid lycopene is a plant pigment that gives papayas, and other orange and red foods, their signature colors. A review of studies found that lycopene may aid efforts to reduce systolic pressure (top number in your blood pressure reading). Eating more lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Papaya is a hot shot in the fruit community, but it isn’t the sole star of this smoothie. This smoothie contains the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial superstar that is ginger, and the sweet, potassium-rich banana. We know the addition of freshly squeezed lime juice in this smoothie may seem like an unwanted relative staying at your house, but it’s the ingredient you didn’t know you needed. The refreshing zest just sets off the other flavors!

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