Beat the Heat this May with Salsa & Tasty Treats

It’s National Salsa Month and I don’t mean the dance! This warmer May weather is the perfect time to break out the best dipping sauce and some chips. With the spice of the salsa, you are going to need something to break the heat, luckily there are some great tasty foods and drinks you can use to cool off.

Salsa can be made or purchased with different levels of spice. So, whether you like it mild or extremely hot there’s a salsa for you. Luckily, this condiment has healthy qualities for you to feel good about.

The heat has already been trending up this May and the first thing that comes to my mind on days like these is staying cool! Whether you decide to take a trip to the beach, take a dip in a pool, or simply stay by your air conditioning all day, you will most likely need to have a refreshingly cool snack with you throughout your day.

Salsa 101

Let’s break down some of the main ingredients to show the health benefits of this spicy sauce:

Tomatoes: Plump ripe tomatoes are a staple in all salsa recipes. Red tomatoes are a popular choice in salsas, but green tomato salsa is just as good. Tomatoes have high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is thought to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes contain many vitamins including vitamins C, A, and B.

Chili Peppers: You can pick and choose the type of chilies you want in your salsa. As you might know, the type of chili you should choose depends on how hot you would like it to be.

Poblano peppers are one of the milder chili peppers used in salsa while jalapenos are medium in heat. Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapenos and are commonly used in salsa. Habaneros are the hottest of the hot, caveat emptor! Chilies contain vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium and folic acid.

Onions: The onions complement the chilies and tomatoes well because they have a way of absorbing their flavors while providing their own essence. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and iron.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is another common ingredient in salsa. This oil contains “healthy fats” called monounsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats help to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Lemon Juice: Salsa has another vitamin C-packed ingredient, lemon juice. This ingredient also contains potassium. Zesty lemon juice amps up the taste of salsa.

Garlic: You wouldn’t want to waste garlic on fighting vampires when you can make salsa with it. Though garlic has a strong pungent taste when eaten alone, it acts as a flavor booster in salsa. Garlic is packed with vitamins and nutrients such as protein, vitamins B, B2, A, and C plus calcium, protein, zinc, and more.

Enjoy your salsa with whole wheat tortilla chips, vegetables, fajitas, and anything else you desire.

Cooling Off with Food

Here are a few tasty, delicious, and most of all healthy snacks and drinks to keep you energized and refreshed in this heat wave!

Watermelon and Feta Salad: This sweet and salty snack not only tastes delicious but will cool you down on this scorching hot day! Watermelon is a great source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may lower the risk of developing certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and macular degeneration. One ounce serving of feta cheese gives you 14 percent of the daily riboflavin or vitamin B-2 intake which also has important antioxidant properties and helps prevents signs of aging!

Coconut Water: This popular refreshment is cholesterol-free, super hydrating, naturally rich in electrolytes, and tastes amazing. A great way to quench your thirst, especially on days like this!

Frozen Peanut Butter Treats: There are other replacements for ice cream bars and ice pops that fill you up on hot summer days! Try sliding a Popsicle stick through a banana and spreading a thin layer of peanut butter over the banana, which will help provide a healthy, energy-packed, high-protein boost. Next roll it over healthy toppings such as chopped nuts or wheat germ. Lastly, freeze them and enjoy!

Cold Soups: Hot soups may seem unappealing for the summer, but cool soups such as gazpacho provide a nutritious and refreshing summer meal! Add water-packed vegetables such as squash, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers that taste delicious and are full of fiber to help with digestion and stabilize your blood sugar.

Have a fun, healthy, happy day! Remember to bring your sunscreen and sunglasses and keep refreshed and hydrated for this long and hot summer day!