13 Best Summer Superfoods for Men

Food experts weigh in on top summer superfoods for men. From mangoes to pineapples, these picks provide numerous health benefits.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Man eating healthy food and drink detox juice

Why men need different nutrients

Men and women don’t always have the same nutrient needs. Men are typically taller and have more muscle than women. So in addition to calories and protein, they may need greater amounts of other nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin K, and more. We went to the experts to get a list of top summer superfoods that supply the necessary nutrients for guys. Here are the foods men need more of.

Fresh ripe mangoes with knife
ThaiThu/Shutterstock

Mango

Mangoes are available year-round but summer is peak season for this superfruit. The sweet fruit contains 20 different vitamins and minerals and is particularly rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber. One cup of mango has about two-thirds of a man’s daily recommended amount of vitamin C, according to the USDA. Add mango to your diet by incorporating the fruit into a smoothie, mango oatmeal, or coleslaw. (For more healthy meal inspiration, see the quick, healthy meals that doctors make every day.)

Fresh avocado on dark background
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Avocado

Men have a slightly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than women, says Kelli Shallal, RD, a registered dietitian in Phoenix. “Avocados provide a huge dose of fiber! Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and colorectal cancer.” These green gems have another benefit, too. “Avocados have been labeled as a ‘happy fruit,'” says Sarah Koszyk, RDN, a registered dietitian and author of 365 Snacks for Every Day of the Year. “They may help boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression.” Include avocado in a healthy avocado smoothie, avocado slaw, or avocado chocolate brownies.

Fresh spinach leaves
Liliya Kandrashevich/Shutterstock

Spinach

This green veggie is full of nutrients that are beneficial for men. “This leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients with iron, calcium, vitamin C, and potassium,” says nutrition blogger Janet Brancato, RDN. “It’s great for healthy bones and muscles!” Spinach also offers the mineral magnesium, which along with calcium can help keep bones strong. And it boasts manganese, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Have spinach in a lupini bean salad, a beef bowl, or a strawberry spinach salad.

woman cutting watermelon into pieces on a wooden board
Olga Pysarenko/Shutterstock

Watermelon

“When it comes to summer superfoods, watermelon is a crowd favorite,” says Joan Salge Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the health and wellness podcast SpotOn! At less than 50 calories for per cup, it’s a low-calorie sweet addition to any meal or snack. “Watermelon contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which can help men reduce their risk of prostate cancer,” Blake says. “It is also a potassium powerhouse, an important mineral that can help lower high blood pressure. Many men are falling short of potassium in their diets. Chronically, high blood pressure can increase the risk for stroke, a top leading cause of death among men.” Get your watermelon in a watermelon limeade, tomato watermelon salad, or a watermelon avocado tomato stack. (Also, try out the summer superfood recipes to beat the heat.)

fresh green grapes on wood background
gowithstock/Shutterstock

Grapes

Research shows that polyphenols, naturally found in grapes of all colors, may contribute to heart health. Grapes also are packed with antioxidants and lots of nutrients including vitamins C and K. Enjoy yogurt-dipped frozen grapes, a Greek yogurt parfait with grapes, or a Waldorf salad with grapes and pears.

Oregano. Dried herbs in natural medicine and cooking
Robert Przybysz/Shutterstock

Oregano

Herbs can be superfoods, too! Add oregano to your favorite dishes for not only a flavor burst but a health boost, as well. “Oregano is considered a super herb,” says Elena Paravantes, RD, a dietitian in Chicago. “It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” says Paravantes. “It also contains carvacrol, a potent phenol that can potentially help treat cancer. You can add it to your salad dressing or sprinkle it directly over salad, chicken, and fish.” Also add oregano to hummus pizza, Greek tacos, and flatbread bites.

full frame shot of tomatoes
Justin Lewis/Getty Images

Tomatoes

Here’s one that may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer: “Fresh tomatoes, cooked in olive oil, make for a man’s perfect summer superfood,” says Rima Kleiner, RDN, a registered dietitian in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Cooked tomatoes contain very high levels of the carotenoid lycopene, especially important for helping to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.” Cook with a fat, like oil, and that lycopene becomes even more available to your body, says Kleiner. Fresh tomatoes also provide lycopene, so aim to add tomatoes to your day however you can, as both fresh and cooked ingredients. Eat tomatoes in a vegetarian rice bowl or a white bean pizza.

whole fresh raw salmon fillet with seasonings on wooden board
Elena Eryomenko/Shutterstock

Salmon

Say yes to omega-3s! “Salmon is one of the highest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in reducing inflammation, nourishing your brain, and improving heart health,” says Jennifer Hunt, RDN, a dietitian in Greenville, South Carolina. The beneficial omega-3s in salmon are of the DHA and EPA variety, and that means they’re easier for your body to put to use (compared to plant-based omega-3s). You get a vitamin boost from salmon, too. “For men who struggle with low vitamin D, just a four-ounce serving of cooked wild-caught salmon will contribute more than 100 percent of your daily requirement, which is especially helpful for people with limited sun exposure,” says Hunt. Pair salmon with asparagus, make a salmon and quinoa salad, or grill salmon burgers. (Looking for more healthy BBQ ideas? Get 15 grilling recipes under 400 calories.)

dark chocolate in bowl
Professor25/Getty Images

Dark chocolate

“Dark chocolate is not only a delicious treat but contains beneficial nutrients like flavanols,” says Angelica Agami, RD, a dietitian in San Clemente, California. “According to research, flavanols may help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart.” Unsweetened cocoa powder offers similar benefits, so enjoy it or dark chocolate in a healthy coffee smoothiedark chocolate bark, or chocolate ice cream.

Strawberries slice in a white plate
Other edge/Shutterstock

Strawberries

Berries can provide a wealth of benefits, for example, “Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C and other phytochemicals,” notes nutrition blogger Lisa Andrews, RD. “In addition, berries provide antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Add strawberries to an strawberry orange smoothie, strawberry chia pudding, or high-protein overnight oats. (For more inspiration, check out these healthy meal ideas you can make in 20 minutes.)

oatmeal and bananas in bowls with spoons
ILEISH ANNA/Shutterstock

Oatmeal

Who says oats are just for cool weather? They make a fantastic warm-weather ingredient, too. Oatmeal may help with your weight-loss goals—eating whole grains such as oatmeal may benefit metabolism. Enjoy oatmeal in almond butter protein balls or mango overnight oats.

wooden bowls and spoons with superfoods, legumes and grains on table
LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Beans

Not only do canned low-sodium beans make a quick and easy meal addition, they’re full of satiating protein and fiber. Whip up healthy roasted chickpeas, and also mix beans into a vegan power bowl or black bean salsa. (Trying to move the scale? Get healthy recipes for weight loss that aren’t salad.)

glass of pomegranate juice with fresh fruits on dark background.
Nitr/Shutterstock

Pomegranate juice

Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, according to the American Cancer Society. And that’s where pomegranate juice comes in. “Regularly drinking 100 percent pomegranate juice has been shown to help reduce prostate cancer advancement significantly,” says Kellie Blake, RDN, a registered dietitian in Scott Depot, West Virginia. The results are somewhat promising, albeit preliminary. Drink pomegranate juice straight up or add it to a pomegranate vinaigrette or candied pistachios. Read on for more top superfoods every healthy man needs in his diet.

Sources
Medically reviewed by Elisabetta Politi, CDE, MPH, RD, on July 02, 2020

Amy Gorin, MS, RDN
Amy is a nationally-recognized registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) and journalist who’s worked in digital and print media since 2006—and today, she has a media reach surpassing 3 billion. She regularly writes for The Healthy, Food Network, and Everyday Health and has been a featured expert for print, digital, and television outlets such as Women’s Health, US News, The Washington Post, People, CNN, and many more. Amy previously held editorial roles at Health, Weight Watchers, Parents, and American Baby magazines and has contributed to several nutrition books and cookbooks. In addition to her media work, Amy provides nutrition counseling to individuals, couples, groups, food companies, and corporations through her private practice, Plant Based with Amy.