Healing Properties Of Fruits

Healing Properties Of Fruits

Amaranth:

This is technically a fruit, but can be used as a grain in breads, muffins and other flour based foods.

The seeds are higher in muscle building protein than other grains and are full of immune boosting Magnesium, Copper and Zinc.

Apricots:

A super source of the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C. Studies suggest beta carotene may help protect against lung cancer.

Apricots are also full of fiber, and are more nutritious fresh than canned.

Bananas:

This fruit may help lower blood pressure. The Magic ingredient? Potassium.

Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6, which research at Tuffs University found is essential to maintaining a strong immune system.

Cantaloupe:

Brimming with beta carotene and vitamin C, plus fiber, potassium, folate and vitamin B6.

Though studies show that beta carotene's anticancer effect is against lung tumors, it may also protect against oral cancers and cancers of the stomach, cervix and uterus.

The evidence that vitamin C reduces the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach and pancreas is compelling, says Gladis Block, Ph.D, professor of public health nutrition and epidemiology at the University of California at Berkeley.

Figs:

Figure on getting vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fiber from figs, fresh or dried.

A recent Harvard School of Public Health study of more than 30,000 men found that only fruit fiber, like that found in figs, was linked to reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper number, which represents pressure during the heart's contractions).

All fiber is associated with reduced diastolic blood pressure (the lower number, which represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between contractions).

Grapes:

All grapes are a great source of boron, a mineral that may help ward off osteoporosis.

Red grape juice is another healthy pick, besides boron, it contains reservatrol, a chemical that could prevent heart disease by inhibiting the clumping of blood cells.

Kiwifruit:

Its fuzzy brown exterior hides a bright green interior chock full of cancer fighting fiber and vitamin C.

Vitamin C may also play a role in the prevention of cataracts.

Mango:

Brimming with beta carotene and vitamin C, the anticancer antioxidants, plus vitamin B6 and copper.

USDA research has found still another health benefit of vitamin C, it helps lower blood pressure.

Orange Juice:

The classic source of vitamin C with a kick, folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and may protect against cervical cancer.

Other citrus fruits and juices also contain limonoids, substances that

animal studies show can activate detoxifying enzymes in the body, possibly cutting cancer risk.

Smokers may want a double dose of O.J. Their vitamin C requirement is twice that of nonsmokers.

Pears:

A super source of fiber.

In addition to all its other benefits, fiber (when combined with a low fat diet) can lessen the risk of developing polyps in the colon, which may be a precursor to cancer.

Pears also provide some vitamin C, potassium and boron.

Prunes:

The classic source of relief for constipation, because they contain sorbitol (a natural sugar) and lots of fiber.

Prunes are also a bone saving source of boron and of the antioxidant vitamins A and E.

Strawberries:

More vitamin C and fiber than you will find in most fruits, including oranges.

In fact, any berries are an excellent source of fiber. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, a natural cancer fighting

chemical.

Researchers have found that this compound is a potent inhibitor of such carcinogens as tobacco smoke and nitrosamines.