By Arsian Ejaz
This little red rotund fruit with a tart cherry-like flavor that grows easily in many tropical countries has a lot more benefits than meets the eye. Containing many powerful antibacterial compounds, this cute little fruit also known as Panama berry, Jamaican cherry, and Singapore cherry is also said to have antibacterial properties, help ease the pain from gout, helps to lower blood sugar levels, helps to relieve headaches and lower fever, and is also a very good source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant able to ward off flu and colds, and its tea made from the leaves even helps to promote cardiovascular health!
Soursop (Annona muricata)
Known in many Spanish-speaking countries as guanabana, this large, spiny, green, tropical fruit with a sweet flesh is used as the base of numerous beverages, and other sweet foods like ice cream. Said to contain plenty of fatty acid compounds called acetogenins, this powerful fruit is now widely used in research, in particular, for their potential use to retard, or even prevent the growth of cancer! The flesh of the fruit mainly provides carbohydrates, and is also packed with abundant doses of ascorbic acid, and numerous B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and thiamine as well as phosphorus, calcium and traces of beneficial iron.
Papaya (Carica papaya)
A previously rare and exotic fruit that grows in tropical countries is now readily available to fruit enthusiasts at most times of the year. Usually sweet, this vibrant, usually round, yellow or orange-colored fruit, when used topically in its mashed form as a lotion, is said to be beneficial to promoting wound healing, and prevents further infection from burns. Also known to relieve constipation, its high content of digestive enzymes known as papain promotes regular movement and improves digestive health as well. To ward off heart diseases, papaya's high potassium and fiber levels helps to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Also widely known as Dragon's eye, or Mamoncillo chino, the longan, often referred to as the "little brother of lychee" in terms of its taste and appearance, is a very rich source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and other different nutrients. Long been used as a natural remedy for stomach aches with its fiber content, the longan also helps to boost the immunity and helps to ward off various diseases. With its high content of B vitamins, it is said to improve the condition of a person's nerves, as well as helps to calm the nervous system. They are also said to contain phenolic acids that are powerful antioxidants, as well.
Durian (Durio zibethinus)
A soft, succulent fruit that closely resembles the jackfruit in terms of appearance, the durian is a very rich source of healthy dietary fiber, thus making it a very excellent bulk laxative. Despite its very characteristic odor that has people expressing diverse and peculiar opinions, durian helps to bind and eliminate carcinogenic substances from the gut. Packed with several minerals like manganese, copper, iron and magnesium, durian is considered a natural alternative source of these trace minerals that help to aid in keeping the blood healthy. Durian, in its fresh state, is also rich in potassium, a very important electrolyte responsible for maintenance of heart rate and blood pressure.
Purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)
This round purple fruit, with a very soft and distinct fragrance and a sweet taste, more popularly known simply as mangosteen, has various beneficial uses: its natural antibacterial compounds are known to reduce and eliminate many common skin problems like acne, oily or dry skin, and even blemishes. People with sciatica pains can also benefit from the consumption of this delicious fruit, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties as well. Also, this fruit contains absolutely no saturated fats or cholesterol, that makes it a vital food item for people concerned with gaining excessive weight or those who are trying to lose it.
Pomegranate (Pumica granatum)
An original native of Persia, this nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants has long been revered as a symbol of fertility, health, and eternal life in the ancient times. A red colored fruit enclosed in a very tough outside layer, the only edible portions are the seeds and the juice. Not so ancient though, is its high phytochemical contents that are now known to stimulate serotonin and improve symptoms of depression. Punicalagin, a compound unique to the pomegranate not only helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, it also helps to speed up the melting of clots found in the vessels of the heart, also known as atherosclerosis, resulting to decreased risks or heart attack.
Mango (Mangifera indica)
This highly succulent fruit that grows well in tropical countries, some people regard the mango as the "King" of all fruit. Not only is it rich in much needed Vitamin C, it also helps to protect the body against cancer. Its fibrous fruit boosts the body's digestive activity by burning additional calories, thus aiding in weight loss. Mangoes also contain high levels of Vitamin A that promotes good eyesight, and helps to prevent night blindness as well. The Vitamin E that mangoes contain helps to regulate hormones, increase virility and boosts the sex drive of men. Also, it benefits women with its high iron content, which is also helpful for those suffering from anemia or women in their menopausal stages.
Apple (Malus pumila)
This red pomaceous fruit from the rose family is one of the healthiest food items that a person can eat. Having a high fiber and Vitamin C content, apples are one of the most popular fruits with its bright red color and often sweet taste. Inside its round appearance, are numerous health benefits like alleviating irritable bowel movement, weight management, liver detoxification, and reducing risks for heart disease too! And to top it all off, all the chewing of this yummy fruit also helps to whiten teeth and prevent or delay tooth decay as well. Experts recommend too that the skin of the apple should be consumed with the rest of the fruit.
Banana (Musa x paradisiaca)
Classified by botanists as being a berry, bananas are not just for monkeys! Its high levels of tryptophan, a chemical that is converted into serotonin (also known as the "happy hormone") helps aid to improve depression. Popularly known as a source of potassium, bananas are able to reduce high blood pressure, and give protection against heart disease and stroke. It also has high fiber content, thus making it a popular remedy for people suffering from constipation. For people with diabetes, bananas are helpful in stabilizing blood sugar levels and are also proven to reduce nausea in morning sickness experienced by pregnant women.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera)
Regarded by some as being the "Queen" of the fruits, the cute little berries store a very vast powerhouse of nutrients that are very beneficial. They are native to Europe and nearby Mediterranean countries, but are now cultivated worldwide. The red grapes variety are known to contain anthocyanins which are found to have anti-allergic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Generally containing a powerful component known as resveratrol, grapes are instrumental in providing protection against cancers of the colon and prostate, and some viral and fungal infections. They are rich sources of micronutrient materials like copper, iron and manganese, all of which are beneficial for healthy blood.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Watermelons are mostly water (up to 92%) - but each delicious bite of this sweet tasting fruit not only refreshes the one eating it, but also provides numerous health benefits, as well. Being widely known as a natural diuretic, watermelons have been proven to be helpful in the removal of toxins in the body. Not only that, but citrulline, a component found in watermelons, have been proven to help reduce the accumulation of fat in our cells. Being rich in beta-carotene, this vibrant colored fruit also protects against macular degeneration and helps prevent night blindness. It Vitamin A content also maintains healthy teeth, skin, mucus membranes, as well as soft and skeletal tissues.
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