Make the most of the juicy ripe nectarines, peaches, strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants from local farmers.

They’re best when freshly picked and have only travelled a few miles.

Other fruits such as kiwi, pineapple, banana and mango are great additions and have fantastic health benefits that just can’t be missed.

Fruits can help us develop youthful perfect skin, glossy hair, toned muscles and evenquick responses on the tennis court!

Whether you make one of these delicious recipes, create fruity yogurt lollies or whizz up a smoothie, you’ll be filling your selves with the zest of life and ensuring a healthy glow throughout the summer months. Make five-a-day work for you!

Fruit kebab with chocolate sauce

Ingredients: Selection of seasonal fruits e.g. pineapple, nectarines, peaches, strawberries or kiwi. Plus dark chocolate and maple syrup.

Health benefits: Vitamin C from the fruit boosts your immune system allowing for enjoyable summer health.

It promotes healthy cells so keeps you looking fresh and vibrant. Your all-important smile will be enhanced by healthy gums.

Fibre from fruit improves bowel action protecting against bowel cancer. It also helps to keep your heart healthy by reducing cholesterol levels.

Method: Heat chocolate and a drizzle of maple syrup in a bowl over very hot water until melted.

Cut fruit into bite sized pieces and thread onto a skewer.

Caramelised pineapple slices

Health benefits: Pineapple stops that bloated feeling from fluid retention. It has high manganese levels so it’s great for bone strength for when you’re playing summer sports. It also contains bromelain which digests proteins quickly so helps at barbecues when there’s an abundance of meat to get through!

It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory so keeps hayfever, arthritis, lupus and gout at bay allowing you want to enjoy the day.

Method: Pat dry pineapple slices with kitchen towel then brush with light olive oil and sprinkle with caster sugar. Caramelise on the barbecue or grill.

Barbecued bananas

Health benefits: Bananas are high in fibre and potassium. This allows the uptake of nutrients into all the cells of the body and keeps a healthy balance of sodium. This is especially important in the summer when we are naturally losing more fluid.

Potassium also maintains nervous and muscle tissues keeping you feeling positive and fit!

Method: Barbecue firm bananas in their skins until the skins are charred and soft. Open the banana to add dark chocolate or rum.

Jelly berry with summer berries such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries

Health benefits: Fruit contains phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, iodine and water.

These berries are packed with micronutrients that keep your hair thick and shiny, maintain healthy skin, muscles and bones.

Method: Loaf tin with cling film and tip in about 350g of summer berries. Make up two strawberry jellies with 170ml boiling water stirring until it dissolves. Add 400ml of grape juice then pour over the fruit. Set for 4hrs in the fridge.

For more healthy eating advice contact nutritionist Helen Sullivan at info@foodhero.co.uk or call 07813 983 927.