Enjoy A Wide Variety Of Affordable Super Fruits
These days we hear a lot about super fruits, but the fact of the matter is, most fruits are pretty super when it comes to health and fitness. Many of the berries and unusual fruits advertised as super fruits are no better for you than the produce you will find at your local grocery store. The difference often is that people tend to eat these expensive super fruits and neglect standard fruits. In this article, we will discuss the value of including fruits and vegetables in your diet in large quantities (half a dozen or more daily servings) for optimum health and fitness.
You have heard it all your life, and it happens to be true that a daily apple will help you avoid costly doctor bills. Actually, an apple is just a good start. After you eat an apple, which contains heart healthy, allergy fighting quercetin, you should eat at least five more servings of fresh fruit. Plums are an excellent choice because they are rich in a cancer-fighting antioxidant known as chlorogenic acid.
In the olden days, sailing ships that would be out at sea for long periods of time took along crates of oranges to avoid getting scurvy. This condition is caused by a lack of vitamin C. There is very little scurvy in the developed world in this day and age, but it is still very important to eat plenty of oranges and grapefruits and use lemons and limes liberally to season foods and beverages. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, B, calcium, potassium and fiber. They help you avoid such diverse maladies as skin cancer, heart disease, colon cancer and the common cold.
In the summertime, melon is an especially healthful, enjoyable treat that will help keep you hydrated and fit. Watermelon is a summertime favorite that is filled with prostate cancer fighting lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin A and of course, lots of good water. Cantaloupe is also very rich in vitamins A and C. Both melons are high in fiber for great colon health.
Other fruits that are excellent for colon health include tropical papaya, pineapple and kiwi. Papaya is rich in vitamins E and A, along with strong antioxidants to help maintain a healthy colon and cardiac fitness. Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme assists in digestion and helps prevent bloating. The fiber-rich kiwi fruit contains a pro-biotic that can help treat the condition known as irritable bowel syndrome.
Bananas are known as America's favorite fruit. Do not overlook their value just because they are familiar. Bananas contain a wealth of potassium that fights high blood pressure. They also contain healthy, complex carbohydrates that increase metabolism, thus supporting healthy weight loss.
There are a number of nutritious, delicious fruits that we consume as vegetables. A delicious meal that contains beta-carotene packed, lycopene rich tomatoes and avocados will support just about any fitness plan. Additionally, the unsaturated fats found in avocados help reduce cholesterol levels, and the potassium, vitamin C and fiber found in tomatoes can only do a body good.
Some doctors recommend having a glass of red wine daily, and this can be a good idea because of the antioxidant known as resveratrol, which it contains. This antioxidant helps in the fight against cancer and may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. It is important to know that grapes, grape juice and pomegranates are also rich in this antioxidant as an alternative to red wine.
Do not get fooled into spending a fortune on a single super fruit. Remember that all fruits are fabulous for your health. Consuming large amounts of fresh fruits in season adds variety and enjoyment to your health and fitness plan. Follow the advice presented here to enjoy a vast array of super fruits.
