Joanna James
Certain fruit have more health benefits than others - from cancer fighting to anti-aging, they're packed with natural goodness. Here are some that you should to eat to meet your nutritional needs.
Everyone's heard the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" and it's for good reason to. Apples are one of the best fruits to eat if you want to control your weight. The flavonoids (a type of plant compound found in fruits) in apples inhibit the break down of sugar, which means instead of storing it in your body, it gets flushed out of your system sooner. Not only does it help boost your immune system, the humble apple's pectin (a type of fibre) mixes with the flavonoids to lower the rate of fat circulating in your body.
Another apple to keep your eye on - one of several native fruits in Sri Lanka, the wood apple has amazing nutritional value and can used eaten to treat various ailments. Inside the hard shell is a soft, fibrous pulp which contains several vitamins, and organic compounds like calcium, fibre, phosphorous, protein, and iron. In Asia, the fruit is eaten to treat everything from constipation and indigestion, to ulcers and diarrhea. It is also known to boost the immune system, prevent cancer, fight infections and bacteria, reduce inflammation and increase milk production for nursing mothers.
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, minerals, flavonoids and vitamin C. Scientific research has proven that just a handful a day can help to reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar caused by a diet heavy in carbohydrates. In addition, eating a few berries before eating artificial sweets makes it more difficult for the body to absorb sugar, which in turn reduces calories.
Soursop has super-healing properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels, calcium and concentrated vitamins. Frequently found in most supermarkets like Keells Super, the white, grainy pulp is mildly sweet and can be eaten as is, or made into a healthy drink. The combination of vitamins and minerals found in soursop make it ideal to help reduce eye disease, treat various infections and even fight cancer, among others.
Pears are jam-packed with vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, making them a scrumptious snack choice. Like apples, pears contain a decent amount of pectin, and they are also rich in flavonoids that fight against weight gain and diabetes. Fresh pears provide a third of your daily fibre requirements, and help good bacteria in your gut to absorb and digest. To get the maximum amount of goodness out of pears, always eat the skin, which contains more than half of its nutritional benefits.
One of the most popular fruits ever, the health benefits derived from bananas is tremendous. Packed with healthy carbohydrates and potassium, they are also an excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fibre. Because of their high potassium levels, they are effective in lowering blood pressure and fighting against strokes and heart disease. Bananas are also used to normalise bowel function.
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