FRUITS
Apples
An apple a day , they say. Eat them organic as they are top on lists of pesticide use. Apples are filled with:
•antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which is great to help allergies and even prevent cancer growth (says Mayo clinic)
•pectin, a soluble fiber that can help to lower cholesterol.
•Bone-building boron, a mineral that prevents osteoporosis
Lemons
A squeeze of fresh lemon, and the use of the zest, is a key to Mediterranean and California cooking. Lemons:
•are the great liver detoxifiers - so drink lemon water when drinking alcohol or nursing a hangover.
•help to digest fat and protein (hence, squeezing lemon on fish and meat makes sense for more than just flavor.)
•should be your “go-to” for a cold or flu since they are antimicrobial and, unlike other citrus fruits, are “anti-mucus.”
•promote weight-loss.
Peaches
I always figured peaches were a super sugary fruit as they are so darn good. But it is not so. Peaches:
•are often less than 100 calories.
•have a low glycemic load
•contain small amounts of beta-cryptoxanthin which has anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.
Strawberries
Strawberries:
•contain ellagic acid which has anti-carcinogenic properties. (Research points specifically to the protection of cells against cervical and breast cancers.)
•are high in vitamin C
•are anti-mutagenic, yes, that means anti-MUCUS, so eat them when you’re sick.
•improve appetite, which for most of us is not a problem.
Blackberries
I love adding these tart little guys to sweeter desserts to balance the flavors. Blackberries
•are loaded with fiber
• high vitamin C strengthens your immune system
•are a good source of folate which helps to produce and maintain new cells
•are a support to the circulatory system because if contains.salicylate which is also the active ingredient in aspirin.
Oranges
I personally love to use the rind in my cooking. Oranges are:
•a great source of Vitamin C which helps fight disease-causing molecules.
•often found to include more than 60 flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants.
•packed full of antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial elements.
•overflowing with more than 170 cancer-fighting phyto-chemicals.
Pumpkin and Squash
Carve out a space for pumpkins in your diet. They are:
•are extremely high in potassium which helps with muscle health.
•are a great immune system booster, as they are replete with Vitamin A
•are high in fiber
•are good for your eyes.
•include strong antioxidant properties.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have so many healing properties, but eating too many can be overly acidic for you body. Fresh tomatoes are best. Tomatoes:
•are high in lycopene, associated with the prevention prostate, lung and stomach cancer, and others.
•great for eyesight due to lutein
•stimulate digestive juices
•are rich in Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the development of healthy bone tissue.
Blueberries
These little blue fruits:
•have one of the highest levels of antioxidants than any other food.
•support brain function and memory.
•help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
•support night vision and prevent macular degeneration.
Papaya
Papaya with a squeeze of lime, on a hot morning, in a lazy Mexican beach town, with a cold Corona, is my idea of a perfect lazy breakfast.Papaya:
•is high in Vitamins A and C, essential nutrients for healthy vision, the development of bone tissue and slowing down signs of aging.
•is good for digestion thanks to the enzyme papain’s ability to break down protein.
•includes high levels of potassium which is good for your muscles and is particularly good for athletes because it relieves muscle cramping.
•makes a great exfoliating face-mask.
Raspberries
Even picky kids seem to love raspberries. Good thing because they are filled with:
•bone building Vitamin K and calcium
•immune building Vitamin C
•ellagic acid which has shown to be anti-carcinogenic
•and have 8 grams of dietary fiber in every cup