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Summer’s a busy time, often bursting with activities like picnics, ice creams, BBQs and Pimms. Although these things are fun, sometimes nutrition can slip your mind. Getting a healthy dose of vitamins is essential no matter what time of year. So, we’re breaking down the best vitamins for summer and tasty ways to get them for a healthy and energised season.

Which vitamins are good in summer?

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There are specific summer vitamins that are beneficial during the hot months. But which ones are they, and what are the best ways to ensure you get enough?

Vitamin C

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The sun is what makes summer great. But it means your skin is regularly exposed to intense sunlight, which contains ultraviolet light (UVA).

UVA activates free radicals, which are loose atoms, not attached to any cells. The atoms ping about, attacking and damaging cells. They can cause skin cells to break down, trigger hormonal disruption and inflammation and, in some cases, cancer.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals by neutralising and stabilising the atoms. This minimises and, in some cases, prevents damage caused by loose atoms, keeping cells healthy and well-functioning.

How to get vitamin C in summer

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Vitamin C is simple enough to get as long as you eat the right foods - that means putting a limit on those ice creams! One of the best ways to top up is to eat fruit high in vitamin C.

  • Summer Freeze Dried Strawberries - Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Our premium sliced strawberries are deliciously sweet and make a light, crunchy snack. Freeze-dried also means they have a longer shelf-life and won’t go squishy in your fridge. Add a packet to your picnic basket or sprinkle over a summer dessert to up your vitamin levels. 
  • Summer Freeze Dried Pineapple - Pineapple is another fruit bursting with vitamin C. Nibble on these pineapple pieces to provide your body with antioxidants and protect against free radicals. The heavenly fruit is also high in fibre and helps you hit one of your 5 a day. Eat freeze dried pineapple as it is, mix it into a trail mix or add to Greek yoghurt for a fruity twist.

Vitamin A

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Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight and fortifies your immune system. It’s also necessary for reproduction and caring for essential organs such as your lungs and heart. You need vitamin A no matter what time of year, so it’s important not to skip it over the summer.

How to get vitamin A in summer

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Vitamin A deficiencies are rare as long as you have a balanced diet. So, eating well is crucial to ensure you get enough nutrition during the hot weather.

  • Organic Dried Mango - Mangoes' vivid orange colour comes from beta-carotene, a compound that converts into vitamin A. Our tangy, sweet slices of organic mango are perfectly dried with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. We love taking these chewy pieces of fruit on a long hike for a dose of vitamin A or eating them to satisfy a sweet tooth
  • Diced Crystallised Papaya - Papaya is a gorgeous, colourful fruit originating from southern Mexico and Central America. Beta-carotene gives papaya its vibrant yellow and orange colour for vitamin A. Enjoy papaya pieces scattered over granola, baked into cakes and muffins or have them as a summer treat.

Vitamin B

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B vitamins transform food into energy, which you need for lively summer socialising and outdoor activities. It cares for your skin cells, balances hormones and improves focus

How to get vitamin B in summer

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As long as you eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, you won’t have a problem getting your B vitamins. But to make it even easier, here are the top summer vitamin B foods:

  • Banana Chips - These naturally banana sweet chips are crunchy, satisfying and deliciously moreish. They’re also a fantastic way to get a high dose of vitamin B. Crumble the chips over cereal, yoghurt or ice cream to fuel your body.
  • Nuts - Fruit isn’t the only way to nourish your body in summer. Nuts are bursting with B vitamins, amino acids, fibre and omega 3. Pistachios, walnuts and hazelnuts are highest in vitamin B, so add them to salads for a crunchy and healthy boost.

What supplements are good for hot weather?

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Sometimes, you have nutritional gaps and need a helping hand to top up your vitamins. That’s what summer supplements are for.

Vitamin C supplement for summer

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We’ve mentioned how vital vitamin C is over the summer, so you might want to boost it with a supplement. Fito’s supplement capsules contain Zinc With Vitamin C for effective absorption. You get the benefit of vitamin C and a healthy dose of zinc for an improved metabolism and immune system.

Collagen supplement for summer

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The free radicals in UVA from the sun attack and degrade collagen cells, which keep skin stretchy, elasticated, and strong. As collagen breaks down, the skin weakens and sags, causing premature ageing. You may start noticing fine lines, deepened wrinkles, and sun spots.

Grape Tree Marine Collagen and Grape Tree Bovine Collagen replenish collagen levels to keep skin, bones and tendons flexible and strong over summer. We also have Fito Liquid Vegan Collagen, which contains vegan-friendly, collagen-enhancing ingredients.

Do I still need vitamin D in summer?

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Whether you need vitamin D in summer depends on where you live. But if you’re based in the UK, you’ll probably benefit from a summer vitamin D supplement. This is because there are often overcast, rainy days despite the warm weather when you won’t be getting enough sunlight.

Grape Tree Vitamin D3 replenishes low vitamin D levels and tops you up on cloudy days. Take it consistently throughout the summer to ensure you have enough.

Get your vitamins the tasty way with Grape Tree

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Getting your summer vitamins doesn’t have to be a chore. Indulge in our range of dried fruit, nuts and seeds bursting with vitamins and minerals to nurture your wellness. Get the best vitamins for hot weather and nourish your body with Grape Tree.

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