Foods That Heal ( Part 1: Fruit )

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Foods That Heal ( Part 1: Fruit )

Fruit:

Acai Berry
A Brazilian palm berry sweeping the globe as a popular health food - though little research has been done on it – now may have its purported benefits better understood.

Apples
The quercetin found in apples is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and apple consumption has consistently been associated with reduced heart disease.

Avocados
Avocado oil strengthens the skin by stimulating collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.

Bananas
Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

Blueberries
In addition to soluble and insoluble fiber, blueberries contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation.

Canteloupe
Cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, vtamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, folate, and niacin (vitamin B3).

Figs
Fig leaves can help to lower triglycerides, which are the chemical form in which most fat in the body.

Guavas
The guava contains the highest vitamin C content out of all the citrus fruits with as much as 180mg per 100g of fruit.

Grapefruit
Of all the citrus fruit, grapefruit has the highest concentration of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient, and free radical scavenger.

Grapes
Grapes contain beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which are phytonutrients.

Kiwifruit
Besides being an excellent source of vitamin C, even better than oranges, kiwifruit is a very good source of dietary fiber.

Limes
Limes and lime juice are greatly recommended to add to food and sauces in areas where the possibility of cholera is high.

Mangoes
Preliminary studies have found lupeol from mangoes and other fruit to be effective in reducing the risk of stone formation.

Oranges
In recent research studies, the healing properties of oranges have been associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds.

Papaya
Papaya low in calories and are good sources of carotenes, vitamin C, B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium and fiber.

Pineapple
Pineapple has no fat, is high in vitamin C, and is also an excellent source of manganese

Plums
and PrunesSeveral studies have demonstrated that dried plums, or prunes, which contain high amounts of polyphenols, can restore bone mass and structure.

Pomegranates
The antioxidants in pomegranates are much higher than in green tea, red wine, blueberries, cranberries, or any other fruit or food.

Strawberries
Studies have shown that strawberry consumption can increase anti-cancer activity on cancer cells of the breast, oesophagus, skin, colon, prostate and pancreas.

Tomatoes
Lycopene content found in tomatoes has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.

Watermelon
Arginine is used in the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilator, meaning that it increases blood flow to all areas of the body.

article source: http://www.elements4health.com

To be continued ...........