5 Top Foods To Include In Your Summer Salads

June 7, 2011 - PRLog -- The sun is shining and everyone is pulling their summer clothes from the back of the wardrobe to find they are a little tight! So what does everyone do? Hit the salad! So many people think that lettuce, tomato and cucumber is adventurous as a salad gets but they can be spiced up with some of our favourite ingredients:

Watercress is a peppery flavoured leaf that's packed with vitamins C and K. a great source of calcium and contains plant chemicals associated with preventing and minimising cancers. It is a great liver detoxifier and also helps to cleanse the blood. Why not try a watercress, courgette and mint salad.

Avocados are packed with heart healthy fats that can help to reduce cholesterol levels. A great source of vitamins C, E, B6, iron, magnesium and potassium and have also been known to protect against cancers. Add avocados to salads or use as a spicy dip.

Asparagus has amazing fibre levels that are important for your digestive health. A good source of vitamins C, E, magnesium, potassium and iron. Asparagus stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach. Why not try an asparagus and sweet tomato dressing.

Kale is the king of vegetables when it comes to antioxidant levels. It contains more calcium and iron than any other vegetable and is a great source of vitamin C. Kale is best steamed and works well with a bacon and boiled egg salad.

Melons are packed with vitamin C and the potassium levels help to prevent fluid retention. the fibre content in melons are useful in reducing cholesterol levels. Watermelons are especially good as they contain an amino acid that helps blood and oxygen get to the muscles during exercise. try a parma ham and melon salad sprinkled with fresh raspberries.

So there are our top five foods to include in your salads this summer. So no more excuses for boring plates of lettuce!

# # #

nogymrequired believes everyone wants to be fit and healthy. We provide fun, friendly and achievable results; helping people make fitness an integral part of their life by supporting their fitness community.