Seasonal Summer Fruits and Their Healing Benefits
Summer brings an abundance of produce that can cool and nourish the body from within. I have put together a guide to my favourite seasonal fruits, explaining how to eat them right according to science and traditional wisdom.
Is mango heating or cooling? A perfectly ripe mango is actually cooling. In this video, I share a recipe for using overripe mangoes in a delicious gojju, so nothing goes to waste. Mangoes aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
A kaju fal, or cashew apple, a day keeps dull skin away. This fruit has five times the Vitamin C of an orange, which is just what you need for glowing skin. It's also rich in zinc and iron, making it great for those with anemia.
A karanda a day keeps indigestion away. This tart native fruit is traditionally used to treat both constipation and diarrhea, making it a great addition for anyone with an irritable bowel. We make pickles and use it as a souring agent.
Anungu, or ice apple, a day will keep acne away. This cooling summer fruit soothes the gut and is anti-inflammatory. The pulp is rich in vitamins and minerals, and can even be applied to inflamed skin for relief.
A bel sherbet a day keeps heat stroke away. This fruit is a natural coolant, rich in riboflavin and antioxidants. It's traditionally used in summer drinks to replenish electrolytes and is great for those with high blood pressure or cholesterol.
The correct way to eat jackfruit. It's best eaten on an empty stomach, and the ideal way to have it is dipped in raw honey, which aids digestion. It's a heavy fruit, so those with weak digestion should be mindful.
A kokum sherbet a day keeps fatty liver away. Kokum contains a compound used in anti-obesity drugs and is a great source of antioxidants. It's beneficial for weight loss, digestion, and is good for diabetics.
About this collection
Many people avoid fruits like mangoes or jackfruit during summer, fearing they are too heavy or heating, but these concerns often come down to how we pair and consume them. For example, eating jackfruit on an empty stomach with a touch of raw honey can actually support digestion rather than cause bloating. It is about understanding the 'how' and 'when' of seasonal eating, rather than just labeling foods as inherently good or bad for your health.
Seasonal eating is not a trend, but a practice rooted in the understanding that nature provides what our bodies need at specific times of the year. Summer fruits offer more than just hydration. They provide specific phytonutrients, electrolytes, and antioxidants that help us manage the physical stress of high temperatures.
The Science of Seasonal Consumption
My approach to summer fruits combines traditional wisdom with modern nutritional analysis:
- Mango: Far from being just 'heating,' mangoes provide Vitamin A, C, and potassium, aiding in digestion and inflammation reduction when consumed ripe.
- Jackfruit: Rich in fiber and B vitamins, it is a powerhouse of energy. When eaten on an empty stomach with a drizzle of raw honey, its digestion is significantly improved.
- Kokum: This fruit is a fantastic source of antioxidants and has been traditionally used to manage visceral fat and fatty liver, thanks to compounds like hydroxycitric acid.
- Ice Apple (Nungu): An excellent source of electrolytes, it acts as a cooling agent, making it beneficial for skin health and reducing body heat.
- Bel: Known as a natural blood purifier, it helps with cholesterol and electrolyte replenishment during intense heat.
Moving Beyond Myths
A common concern I hear is about sugar content. However, the fiber and nutrient profile of whole, seasonal fruits is vastly different from refined sugar. The goal is to incorporate these into a balanced diet that fits your metabolic health.
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or PCOS, it is not about eliminating these fruits, but about adjusting portion sizes and timing. My consultations focus on helping you build these habits into your lifestyle without restrictive dieting. If you are looking to understand how to align your diet with the seasons, I can help you create a sustainable plan.
Poorvi Bhat
I’m Poorvi. My passion for health started with my ajji’s traditional recipes and grew into a career blending Naturopathy with modern nutrition science. I don’t believe in banning foods; I believe in understanding them to build a body that feels good year-round.
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