Late Summer Foods That Heal: What to Eat in August for Optimal Health

August marks the height of late summer – a time when the earth is overflowing with vibrant, healing foods that can nourish your body and support your health as we transition into fall. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve digestion, or simply reset after a busy summer, now is the perfect time to get back to real, seasonal food.

Here are some of the most powerful late summer foods and how they help your body thrive:

1. Tomatoes – Anti-Inflammatory & Heart Healthy

Juicy, ripe tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for fighting inflammation and supporting heart health. Lycopene is also easier to absorb when tomatoes are cooked, so don’t shy away from sauces or roasted varieties.

Try this: Drizzle sliced heirloom tomatoes with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil for a simple healing salad.

2. Zucchini – Gut Friendly & Blood Sugar Balancing

Zucchini is high in fiber, low in carbs, and full of water – making it great for digestion and blood sugar stability. It’s gentle on the stomach and easy to pair with proteins or toss into a stir-fry, soups, or even smoothies.

Try this: Sauté zucchini with garlic and avocado oil, or spiralize it for a refreshing low-carb pasta alternative.

3. Cucumbers – Cooling & Detoxifying

Cucumbers help your body cool down, stay hydrated, and flush out toxins. They’re also rich in silica, which supports skin and joint health.

Try this: Infuse your water with cucumber slices, lemon, and mint for a gentle daily detox.

4. Berries – Blood Sugar Friendly & Brain Protective

Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that support brain health, hormone balance, and blood sugar control. They’re also naturally sweet, making them a perfect replacement for processed sugar.

Try this: Add a handful to your morning shake or pair with a protein like nuts or Greek yogurt for a balanced snack.

5. Fresh Herbs – Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Late summer herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint are not just for flavor – they’re powerful tools for liver detox, digestion, and immune support. Cilantro even helps bind to heavy metals in the body.

Try this: Blend herbs into dressings, pestos, or sprinkle on top of meals to boost healing.

6. Peaches & Stone Fruits – Skin Nourishing & Hydrating

Peaches, nectarines, and plums are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and skin-loving antioxidants. While sweet, they’re hydrating and support digestion thanks to their fiber and water content.

Try this: Grill peaches and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of coconut cream for a gut-friendly dessert.

7. Leafy Greens – Hormone Friendly & Alkalizing

Late summer is a great time to get back to greens like arugula, kale, Swiss chard, and collards. These bitter greens help support liver detox, alkalize the body, and provide vital minerals that many of us lack (like magnesium and calcium).

Try this: Sauté greens in olive oil or blend them into a smoothie with lemon and cucumber.

Bonus: Watermelon – Lymphatic Love & Circulation Boost

Watermelon is more than a sweet treat – it contains citrulline, which supports blood flow, and its high water content makes it excellent for flushing the lymphatic system.

Try this: Eat alone between meals to maximize digestion, or juice it with mint and lime for a cooling summer tonic.

Final Thoughts: Eat With the Season, Heal With Nature

Late summer is a powerful time to reconnect with nature’s rhythm. Eating fresh, in-season foods helps your body detox naturally, reset digestion, and prepare for the shift into fall. These foods aren’t just delicious – they’re medicine on your plate.

So as you soak up the last stretch of summer, let your meals be simple, colorful, and healing.

For more food and nutrition information, watch videos from our nutrition coach!

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