Carol Etienne
Fresh fruits and vegetables are our body’s best friends for staying healthy and well. The nutritional contents of fruits are well known and so we should endeavour to enjoy these gifts daily in order to maintain our health and wellbeing. Their colour has something to say about the health benefits that they offer. Blue and purple produce get their colours from compounds which also help protect and combat diseases and promote good health.
Guava contain one of the highest vitamin C content at least at four times more than oranges. Vitamin C is known as one of the potent antioxidants which help protects cells from free radical damage. High levels of oxidants in the body can damage cell membranes and may contribute to the development of heart disease and cancer .
Bananas are a super fruit. with their high potassium content, they help lower blood pressure, plus with its impressive vitamin and mineral count makes a great snack. Vitamin A is needed for healthy vision and skin, Vitamin B is important for the immune and nervous systems, folic acid, Vitamin C is full of antioxidants, Calcium and Magnesium.
The sweet potato is a large, starchy and sweet-tasting tuberous root which is considered among one of the most nutritious root vegetables Depending on variety, the sweet potato flesh comes in colours of white, yellow, orange and purple. The orange-fleshed ones are among the top sources of beta-carotene. It has many culinary uses in different parts of the world; it is also a staple food crop in some countries including in rural areas in the Philippines where the tubers are usually boiled or baked
The Pomelo (pummelo) is also known as Chinese grapefruit, jabong, lusho and shaddock. It is the largest member of the citrus family. This grapefruit ancestor has a soft but very thick rind. It has light yellow to coral-pink flesh that can be juicy to slightly dry with a flavour that range from spicy-sweet to tangy and tart. The flesh can be eaten straight, added in salads and other food preparations where grapefruit goes well.
The American persimmon can provide the body with more than 100% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C, higher than the Japanese ones. It is also rich in iron, one of the nutrients which helps boosts your energy levels.
Grapes
Fresh fruits and vegetables are our body’s friends for staying healthy and well. Their colour has something to say about the health benefits that they offer. Blue and purple produce get their colours from compounds which also help protect and combat diseases and conditions.
Soursop (Guaynabo)
The delicious flavour of the soursop alone can already lift your mood. What with a taste that has been described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple with notes contrasting with an underlying rich flavour reminiscent of coconut or banana. Chill before eating!
Plums
Plums are a very good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps heal wounds, prevent periodontal disease and maintains collagen and connective tissue in the body. They are rich in vitamin B2, fibre and potassium and two unique phytonutrients known as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These two phenols appear to regulate the release of glucose in the bloodstream after a meal which may have favourable effects on blood sugar levels.
Carambola (starfruit)
The carambola, also known as starfruit is another crunchy and juicy fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fibre. People with kidney problems, gout, osteoporosis and arthritis are advised to avoid eating this fruit due to its oxalic acid content, this is a compound which can be harmful for them. Parsley, spinach, beets, chocolates and beans also contains oxalic acid.
Cantaloupe
The cantaloupe is the richest source of vitamin A among fruits. Every 1 cup (177 g) contains 5987 IU of vitamin A, mainly in the form of beta-carotene.
High doses of vitamin A supplements can be toxic, but getting the nutrient from natural sources such as the cantaloupe is perfectly safe and will even help minimize acne and wrinkles. Just one cup can already provide over 100% of your Recommended daily intake
Custard-apple
Custard-apple, also known as bullock’s heart contains almost the same amount of potassium as bananas. It can also provide the body with an excellent supply of vitamins C and B6, and fibre
PurplePassionFruit
Purple Passion Fruit is also known as Granadilla, also known as purple passion fruit is a Brazil native. You’ll get half of the daily value of vitamin C and fibre and a quarter of the Daily recommended quantity of vitamin A Every 100 grams of this subtropical fruit can contribute about 348 mg of potassium
Papaya is great when it comes to dealing with tonsillitis, instead of gargling on salt water solution, buy a semi-ripe papaya, the one that just starts to ripen but is still hard to the touch. peel, take out the seeds and cut the fruit into small cubes and pour on vinegar with half a teaspoon of salt. This crunchy homemade treatment has a sweet and sour taste that is just fantastic and in less than 24 hours some have reported tonsil problem gone.
The enzyme in this concoction that can promote oral health is the papain in the papaya in addition to the salt and vinegar solution.