You're
probably aware of a number of super foods to include in your diet for
the incredible health benefits they contain. But, do you know about any
super fruits?
Yes, almost all fruits are packed with nutrition and are an important
part of a healthy and balanced diet. But by some nutrition scientist's
standards, there is a list of about 20 fruits that can qualify to be
deemed "super". These super fruits are chock-full of vitamins and
minerals, antioxidants and many other nutrients that work to help you
maintain overall health. Choose to eat some of these super fruits, and
you could see an improvement in the way you look and feel. Many of these
super fruits can aid in preventing infection and disease, as well as
help you live longer. Including five to nine portions of fruit each day
is an awesome way to ensure your body is getting necessary nutrients to
help it function properly. And if these fruits are the ones you eat in
those servings, you will certainly feel super.
Acai Berries
These
berries have gained popularity recently, and for good reason. Acai
berries are known as an amazing super fruit because they have one of the
highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit out there. The fresh fruit
itself may he somewhat hard to find as it is naturally grown in Brazil,
but different forms of the superfruit (like powders) can still allow you
to benefit from its nutrition when added to your diet.
Apples
That's
right, the old adage "an apple a day" is more than true. Apples aren't
just a favorite fruit because of their great flavor, but also because
they pack some secret super-abilities. It is known that apples are an
amazing source of fiber, which is vital to maintaining proper bodily
functions, but apple skin is also full of the antioxidant quercetin,
which has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine powers. This super fruit
can help protect you from certain bacteria, as well as heart disease.
Avocado
Although
sometimes misconceived as a vegetable, the pit of this amazing food
makes it a super fruit! Avocado's are one of the richest sources of
healthy, monounsaturated fat and fatty acids that the body needs in
order to stay healthy. The vitamins and nutrients found in avocados help
to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, and raise amounts of good
cholesterol. These healthy fats are also known to promote the absorption
of important vitamins and other carotenoids essential for a healthy
heart.
Banana's
This
yellow super fruit is a favorite among all walks of life. Bananas are
amazing for improved overall health because of their incredibly high
levels of potassium and resistant starches. Potassium works in the body
to lower blood pressure to keep your heart functioning properly, and
resistant starches are a healthy carbohydrate that fill you up and boost
your metabolism at the same time!
Blackberries
All
different kinds of berries can be considered the healthiest fruit
choices, but blackberries are a super fruit for a number of reasons.
Ranking in the tops ten fruits for antioxidant power, they are loaded
with polyphenols that help prevent a number of problems including
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
Blackberries also contain very high levels of fiber with just one cup
delivering one third of your daily fiber intake.
Blueberries
This
is a fruit discussed a lot for its high level of antioxidants as well.
Blueberries contain immense amounts of healthy flavonoids, which are
directly linked to proper brain function and better memory. This super
fruit is also rich in the nutrient manganese, which plays a major role
in proper digestion and keeping your metabolism functioning correctly.
Including blueberries in your diet can aid in overall energy and weight
management.
Cherries
Another
super fruit that's rich color is due to it's high levels of
antioxidants. The major antioxidant found in cherries is called
anthocyanin, and it works to reduce inflammation in the body, as well as
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cherries are considered
super because the vitamins and nutrients found in them help keep blood
vessels healthy and functioning, while aiding in overall heart health.
Citrus Fruit
All
fruits in the citrus family from limes to lemons to oranges contain a
number of important vitamins and nutrients that make them incredible
super fruits. High levels of Vitamin C and fiber help promote chemicals
in the body that ward off bacteria and help fight disease and
infections. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is incredibly beneficial to
the body and helps regulate oil glands, counteract the effects of sun
damage and even help prevent age spots.
Cranberries
The
nutritional value found in cranberries consists of high levels of
selenium and vitamin K, making it a great super fruit to include in your
diet. Cranberries contain many antibiotic properties, and are
especially beneficial to women in helping prevent urinary tract
infections and possibly some diseases like ovarian cancer. These berries
also have incredible anti-viral properties that work to keep
cholesterol low, and may even hep prevent kidney stones.
Currants
Probably
the least known super fruit on this list is currant, but it should not
be overlooked. Currant's are a super fruit because they are intensely
rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants essential fatty acids and many
other vitamins and minerals. This super fruit has high levels of fiber,
calcium, iron, selenium and vitamins C, B2, E and K. Also containing the
antioxidant anthocyanin, currants help prevent arthritis, reduce
inflammation, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
Including this super fruit in your diet can benefit your body in
countless ways.
Grapes
These
are my all time favorite fruits and a super one none the less! Grapes
contain a high level of a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol which
helps keep your heart healthy. Research has also found that a compound
found in grape seeds helps slow down the effects of Alzheimer's disease,
as well as the growth of cancer cells in the head and neck.
Grapefruit
Grapefruits
can be attributed to maintaining a healthy body because of a number of
important nutrients they possess. This super fruit is linked to lowering
levels of bad cholesterol in the body, as well helping the heart and
cardiovascular system functioning properly. Ruby grapefruits with a
redder tint have higher levels of antioxidants to help keep you healthy.
Kiwi
This
is a great super fruit to aid in proper digestion and digestive
functions. Vitamins and minerals found in the kiwi fruit, and especially
in its somewhat furry skin, contain high levels of fiber as well as a
pro-biotic complex carbohydrate that works in a number of ways within
the body.
Papaya
This
exotic fruit can be considered a super fruit because it is full of
vitamin C that helps ward off infection and keeps your immune system
healthy. Just one cup of papaya contains more than the suggested daily
intake of Vitamin C, and is also a great source of Vitamins A and E.
These vitamins are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body
against heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates
are certainly deserving of their super fruit title. Their rich and
vibrant color can be attributed to the fact that they are loaded with
powerful antioxidants that aid in heart health as well as visual and
brain function. This super fruit originally comes from the Middle East
and India, and has high levels of Vitamin K and selenium. It is one of
the few fruits that aids in possible prevention of diabetes and
Alzheimer's disease.
Strawberries
Beautiful
and sweet in taste, strawberries are a favorite among this list of
super fruits. Strawberries are packed with healthy Vitamin C, and are
also an amazing source of folic acid that can help protect your heart
from disease. Just a cup full of strawberries will give you immense
health benefits.
Tomatoes
Another
food that is on the list because of its seeds is the tomato. This
excellent super fruit can provide your body with a much sought-after
antioxidant that is rarely found in other whole foods. The antioxidant
lycopene is found in high levels in tomatoes, and so is Vitamin C, fiber
and potassium.
Raspberries
Nutrition
found in this berry includes high levels of fiber, Vitamins B2 and K,
calcium, iron and selenium. Raspberries are great super fruits because
they contain a unique antioxidant named ellagic acid, that is not found
in many other foods. The properties of this antioxidant can be linked to
health benefits like reducing heart disease and diabetes, proper visual
and brain function, and preventing certain types of cancer.
Pumpkin
This
seasonal fruit is a squash that is loaded with beta-carotene and large
amounts of potassium. The vitamins and nutrients found in pumpkin flesh
and pumpkin seeds can help prevent high blood pressure and keep your
heart functioning healthily.
Watermelon
Very low in calories and high in water content, watermelon is a super fruit because it is full of the antioxidant lycopene. Vitamins A and C are packed into this delicious fruit, and it is known to keep you properly hydrated as well work to keep the cells within your body very healthy.Thanks Sqiddo
~Beauty N Body
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