Kiwi, also called kiwifruit and Chinese gooseberry, are known for their vibrant colours and tangy taste. Kiwifruit often represents the summer and the tropics for many of us. Kiwifruit is often recognized for its vibrant green colour and tart taste. However, Kiwifruit is very nutrient dense.

Aside from their cool look and refreshing properties, kiwis are a source of many wonderful nutrients. Kiwi is a source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, copper, calcium and  Vitamin B6.
 

Kiwi’s Phytonutrients Protect DNA

Kiwis are full of antioxidants. kiwifruit, including its vitamin C or beta-carotene content. Since kiwi contains a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that have demonstrated antioxidant activity, these phytonutrients in kiwi may be responsible for this DNA protection.
 

Anti-Oxidants and Flavonoids

Kiwis are an excellent source of phytonutriants with anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, play a role in decreasing cardiovascular damage. These beneficial compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls; therefore, anti-oxidants can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease and arthritis.
 

Kiwifruit: High Source Of Fiber

kiwis are a source of dietary fiber. Fiber may help with weight management, as well as keep your digestive health in check. Fiber also acts to prevent constipation and other gastro-intestinal issues. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels. Fiber also helps remove toxins from the system, as well as keep blood glucose in check.

Nothing brings magic to a dish quite like the tomato. Tomatoes are one of the most popular foods available and a prominent staple in many kitchens around the world. Tomatoes are quite a diverse fruit (yes, we said fruit!). In fact, there exist well over 1000 different varieties of tomatoes.

The health benefits of tomatoes are also quite numerous. Not only do tomatoes bring freshness and depth to any dish but are also very nutritious. Tomatoes are a source of lycopene, dietary fiber, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, B Vitamins, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate and iron.

Lycopene and Antioxidants

If you have been following nutrition and health studies, you may have come across lycopene. Lycopene is a potent compound in tomatoes that has been found to protect cellular DNA from damage. Not only is lycopene a powerful antioxidant, the compound has been extensively studies on its cancer lowering effects. In fact, lycopene has been shown to protect against many forms of cancers. Numerous human studies have shown that lycopene may help fight cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, lungs and more.

The antioxidant potential is quite high, as mentioned. Tomatoes are full of both water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants, all which work together to protect the body from damage caused by the presence of free radicals. The many phytonutrients found in tomatoes work together to protect against conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and inflammations, and cancers.

Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease

The cardiovascular health benefits from consuming tomatoes have long been known. For centuries, many cultures have incorporated tomatoes into their diets to help maintain a healthy body. Tomatoes contain phytonutrients such as lycopene, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, niacin, folate and Vitamin B6, all of which play critical roles in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes have also been shown to help lower levels of both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in the system. Furthermore, tomatoes may help lower blood pressure and further reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Traditional Uses

• Tomatoes are commonly consumed to help reduce inflammations throughout the system.
• Tomatoes are believed to improve blood circulation.
• The consumption of tomatoes is said to relieve many gastro-intestinal concerns including constipation, diarrhea and liver problems.
• Tomatoes are often consumed to relieve stress and calm the system.
• Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat tomatoes to help relieve morning sickness.
• Tomato juice or pulp is often applied to the skin to gain relief from sunburns.

Lemons and limes are known for their vibrant colours and tart taste. These citric fruits are also renowned for their citric acid content and its many benefits.

Lemons are a staple component of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which calls for starting your day off with a glass of warm lemon water. In terms of their nutritional profile, lemon and limes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids.
 

Lemons and Limes: Cardiovascular Health

Citrus foods, including lemons and limes, contain limonin. Limonin is a potent phyto-chemical. Limonin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels within the body, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Vitamin C also plays a role in decreasing cardiovascular damage. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls, Therefore, vitamin C can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
 

Lemons and Limes: Cancer

Limonin has been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. The flavonoid glycosides, has been shown to help stop cancer cell division.
 

Lemons and limes: Anti-Septic and Anti-Bacterial Properties

High acid levels in limejuice are very effective in both inhibiting the growth of and killing cholera in food. Lemons and limes also have natural antibacterial properties, and therefore may help protect against bacteria-related illnesses.
 

Lemons and Limes: Lowering Inflammation

Lemons and limes are an excellent source of Vitamin C. This antioxidant actively neutralizing free radicals and helps reduce inflammation within the body. This makes Vitamin C help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
 

Traditional Uses of Lemons and Limes

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, lemons and limes have been extensively used to remove toxins in the digestive tract. Lemons and limes are a natural laxative, used to maintain a healthy heart and relieve disease of the eyes and ears

Traditional medicine insists on starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water. This is to jump start the digestive system as well as help eliminate waste from the body. Lemon juice mixed with hot water is effective in curing problems like digestive disorders, nausea, heartburn, constipation and helps improve liver function.

Oranges are one of the most popular fruits consumed around the world. A citrus fruit, oranges are commonly enjoyed both in their fresh state and in juice form. Oranges have long been recognized for both their culinary and health promoting properties. Oranges are also extensively used in a variety of beauty and nutritional remedies.

Oranges are a great source of many nutrients. Oranges are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and other phytonutrients. Oranges contain dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, folate, pantothenic acid, protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, carotenes, and copper.
 

Anti-Oxidants and Flavonoids

Oranges contain a variety of flavonoids and other phytonutritents. Oranges contain citrus flavanones, anthocyanins, herperidin, hydroxycinnamic acids and a variety of polyphenols. Of course, oranges are most famously associated with their exceptional vitamin C content, a powerful water-soluble antioxidant.

The antioxidants and flavonoids give oranges their immense health promoting properties. These beneficial compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls. Antioxidants can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease and arthritis.
 

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Oranges contains folate, dietary fiber and the flavanone, herperidin. These nutrients directly promote the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that a deficiency of folate, which causes the accumulation of the amino acid homocysteine in the body, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis by enhancing the deterioration of arterial walls as well as promoting blood clot formation. The dietary fiber content in oranges further helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Oranges also contain the flavonoid herperidin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and help lower blood pressure.
 

Protective Properties

Extensive studies indicate that oranges, along with other citrus fruits, help protect against a variety of cancers. Furthermore, the folate present in oranges contributes to the reduction of cardiovascular disease. The potassium in oranges also helps lower blood pressure. Also, the vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids found in citrus fruits, have been identified as having protective cardiovascular effects.
 

Oranges: Lowering Inflammation

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. This antioxidant actively neutralizing free radicals and helps reduce inflammation within the body. Vitamin C can actively help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
 

Oranges as a Source of Dietary Fiber

Oranges are a source of dietary fiber. Fiber directly helps reduce high cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. Fiber can also help with diabetes management by keeping blood glucose levels in check.
 

Traditional Uses

• Fresh orange juice is commonly used to treat gastro-intestinal problems, including constipation.

• Oranges and their various components are staple ingredients in many beauty products and regimens. From their aromatic profile to their skin rejuvenating properties, oranges are used extensively in the beauty industry.

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits around the world. Strawberries have come to represent summer, good health, love and wellbeing. Its flavour goes beyond the fruit itself and has become a staple food flavouring of ice cream, syrups and milkshakes.

However, many do not realize that strawberries have been used for their health properties long before they became a staple flavouring. Strawberries have traditionally been used to treat stomach ailments, constipation and more.
 

Strawberries and Nutritional Density

Strawberries are very nutritious. The health benefits of strawberries are quite immense. Strawberries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Strawberries contain a large amount of antioxidant and have shown both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Strawberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber and Vitamins C and K. They are a very good source of folate, manganese, potassium, pantothenic acid, thiamin and iodine. Strawberries are also a source of vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6.
 

Strawberries: An Antioxidant Powerhouse

Strawberries are full of vital phytonutrients that display antioxidant properties within the body. Anthocyanins and ellagitannins are such active phenol compounds. These phytonutrients are found in many berries, including strawberries. Anthocyanins are also responsible for giving strawberries their deep red colour. These compounds have extremely high antioxidant activity, making strawberries a powerful super food. These antioxidants help keep cell walls healthy, protect from heart disease, stroke, arthrosclerosis, and inflammation.
 

Strawberries and Arthritis

It is the presence of antioxidants that make strawberries a great food to help alleviate inflammation. In fact, including strawberries to your daily diet may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
 

Help Fight Cancer

Strawberries contain ellagic acid, which is a phytonutrients that is present in many berries. Recent studies on ellagic acid suggest that it may be able to stop the growth of cancer cells in tissues of the breast, skin, colon, prostate and pancreas. Furthermore, strawberries contain an abundance of phynol compounds, flavonoids and other phytonutrients that act together to protect against cancers.
 

Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure

Due to the nutrient density of strawberries, they are an excellent choice to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Especially effective are the presence of antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and dietary fiber. These nutrients will help reduce cholesterol levels, help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
 

Traditional Uses:

• Strawberries have been used for centuries as a herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
• Strawberries are commonly used to treat gum disease and gum inflammation. Strawberries are rubbed on the teeth and gums to achieve this effect.
• Strawberries are said to be an excellent “detox” food. Strawberries are said to cleanse the system of harmful toxins.
• Strawberries are said to help relieve any digestive concerns and absorption issues.

Cranberries, known for their deep red colour and tart taste, are rich in nutrients. Cranberries are revered for their nutritional properties, including being a rich source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese.

The medicinal properties have been known just as long as its culinary use. Cranberries have long been recognized for their antibiotic effects. More famously, cranberries are the food of choice when one suffers from common yeast or urinary tract infections.

Whether cranberries are enjoyed fresh, dried, frozen or in fresh juice form, cranberries defiantly offer a nutritional punch.
 

Protection Against Urinary Tract Infection

Cranberries are the go- to food when one wants to relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Many scientific studies have shown that cranberries are indeed effective in decreasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Evidence suggests that cranberry juice is also effective in treating and preventing urinary tract infections. Its effectiveness arises due to the presence of proanthocyanidins, which prevent pathogens from adhering to the urinary tract.

It is the presence of proanthocyanidins in cranberries that also helps reduce the risk of kidney stone formation as well as helps prevent tooth decay. Quinic acid, which is also found in cranberries, also helps reduce the formation of kidney stones.
 

Reduce the Risk of Ulcers and Other Gastro-Intestinal Problems

Both scientific evidence and traditional medicinal practice confirm that the intake of cranberries or cranberry juice may help prevent gastric ulcers. This is because cranberries may help eliminate the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacterium, the leading bacterium which causes gastric ulcers.

Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

Cranberries and cranberry juice contain polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants that help lower total cholesterol levels and significantly reduce LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, the consumption of cranberries may also help boost HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. Cranberries also contain compounds that may help increase the health of blood vessels. All these factors reduce the risks of atherosclerosis and protect against heart disease and strokes.
 

Antioxidant Protection

Cranberries have an abundant amount of antioxidants. Many studies have indicated that the antioxidant levels of cranberries are far superior than many commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help protect against damage at the cellular level, thereby protecting the body from many harmful conditions such as heart disease, cancers, stroke, arthritis and more.
 

Cranberry’s Phytonutrients Help Shut Down Human Breast Cancer Cells

Current research suggests that cranberries may help protect against breast cancer. Cranberries may act to stop the growth of breast cancer cells. More research is currently being conducted on this topic.

Noni has exploded onto the herbal and natural medicine market. Noni is recognized around the world by various names including: Morinda citrifolia, Indian mulberry, Nunaakai, Mengkudu, Great Morinda, Ba Ji Tian, Nhau, Nono, Nonu, Dibri-Apra, Patjé, Mengkudu, Nunaakai and Beach Mulberry.

Although Noni is advertised everywhere for its “exceptional” health properties, the true health and nutritional profile of Noni was recognized and explored for thousands of years.

Brief History of Noni

Noni has been recognized for its numerous health benefits for well over 2000 years. Its medicinal origins are said to date back to the Polynesians, who used the Noni fruit for its medicinal and health promoting properties. Noni possesses both nutritional and therapeutic properties. Noni was fast incorporated into ancient diets due to its recognized ability to ward of chronic conditions and to generally promote overall health and vitality.

Noni – Nutritional Composition

The nutritional value of Noni is extensively promoted and advertised. Noni, in fact, is quite nutrient dense. Noni contains many nutrients including vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, phytonutrients, acids, potassium, alkaloids, anthraquinones, sterols, carotenes, vitamin A, flavone glycosides, linoleic acid, amino acids, minerals and more.

Noni Juice

Noni juice is gained much popularity for its health benefits. Traditionally, Noni juice has been used to treat arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, pains, headaches, heart disease, cancers, ulcers, mental anxiety, depression, digestion concerns, constipation, atherosclerosis and more. Although some scientific evidence does exist to confirm the effectiveness of Noni, more research is required to verify these many claims

Traditional Medicinal Uses

All parts of the Noni tree have been utilized to treat chronic conditions and ailments. The fruit, leaves and flowers of the Noni tree have been used to treat skin, eye and mouth related problems, digestion and constipation, diabetes, joint pain, arthritis, menstruation concerns and bone concerns. Noni tree leaves and flowers have been used to treat chest and respiratory concerns, chronic coughs, nausea and arthritis. Overall, all parts of the Noni tree have been used to help stimulates the immune system and help boost vitality.

Noni is popularly used for its natural antibacterial properties. Many scientific studies do confirm that Noni contains certain compounds that give Noni its antibacterial properties. In fact, Noni may actively help protect against infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigela.

Noni has also garnered much attention regarding its anti-cancer claims. Morinda citrifolia has long been used in herbal medicines to help treat and prevent cancers. Specifically, it is believed that Noni is quite effective in treating cancer that is in the initiation stage of carcinogenesis. There have been scientific studies that confirm these anti-cancer claims. However, much extensive research is still required on Noni’s ability to help fight and prevent cancer.

Raspberries are nutrient dense and full of a unique combination of flavonoids and other antioxidants. Known for their vibrant colour and tart-sweet taste, rasberries are one of the most popular summer fruits.

Despite their small size, raspberries are jam-packed with vital phytonutrients. Raspberries are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, niacin, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, flavonoids and other phytonutrients.
 

Ellagic Acid and its Cancer Fighting Properties

Raspberries contain ellagic acid, a powerful phytonutrient. Ellagic acid has shown powerful cancer fighting properties. Ellagic acid actively protects the chromosomes from cancer damage. Raspberries have also shown to inhibit cancer growth.

Raspberries are extremely high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help protect against free-radical damage within the body, therefore protecting the system from a multitude of diseases. The antioxidants in raspberries may help decrease the severity of allergic reactions.
 

Anti-Oxidants and Flavonoids

Vibrant raspberries are an excellent source of phytonutrients with anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C, play a role in decreasing cardiovascular damage. These beneficial compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls; therefore, anti-oxidants can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease and arthritis.
 

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Folate and the B vitamins promote the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that a deficiency of folate, which causes the accumulation of the amino acid homocysteine in the body, significantly increases the risk for heart disease. Homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis by promoting the deterioration of arterial walls as well as promoting blood clot formation. The dietary fiber content in bell peppers further helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
 

Reduce Risk of Cataracts

The flavonoids and phytonutrients present in raspberries help protect vision. This compound helps protect against macular degeneration and prevents against cataracts and glaucoma.
 

Lowering Inflammation

Raspberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. This antioxidant actively neutralizing free radicals and helps reduce inflammation within the body. This makes Vitamin C help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pineapple, one of the most popular tropical fruits, has recently gained much fame for its health promoting properties. Fresh pineapple is loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals. Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, and the trace element manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium and dietary fiber.

Recent studies have evaluated the health boosting properties of pineapple. Pineapple is revered for its anti-inflammatory properties, digestive health benefits and potential anti-cancer properties.

What gives fresh pineapple its health boosting properties is the presence of bromelain. Bromelain is a mixture of various protein-digesting enzymes. Due to its ability to digest protein, bromelain has been used both medically and traditionally to relieve a multitude of health concerns.
 

Pineapple and Digestive Health

Traditionally, fresh pineapple fruit and juice has been consumed to heal any digestive concerns a person may have. The consumption of pineapple has been used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, treats nausea, bloating, and constipation.
 

Pineapple and Inflammation

Pineapple, more specifically bromelain, is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. It has been used to successfully manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Bromelain is also used to reduce swelling and bruising caused by surgery or injury. Pineapple can be eaten to alleviate sinus inflammation, bronchitis, pneumonia, and help reduce cough and mucus.
 

Pineapple and Cancer

Many current studies are analysing the anti-cancer properties of bromelain. By boosting the immune system, bromelain may increase the body’s ability to naturally kill tumours. Furthermore, pineapple has been shown to have anti-metastatic properties, in which bromelein may prevent or slow down tumour growth.
 

Antioxidant Protection and Immune Support

Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, a very powerful anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals, and thereby protecting against heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancers, and inflammation. Furthermore, vitamin C is essential for proper immune function.
 

Pineapple and Energy Production and Bone Health

Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral that is essential for energy production and bone health in the body. Thiamine, vitamin B1, is also found in pineapple and is also important for energy production.

Pears, which come in many varieties, have been revered for their medicinal properties for centuries. Due to their high fiber content, pears do possess many health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, heart disease and strokes.

Aside from being a tasty snack, pears offer a nutritional punch. Pears are also a source of copper, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phytonutrients and flavonoids.
 

Anti-Oxidants and Flavonoids

Pears are an excellent source of phytonutrients with anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C, and minerals, such as copper, play a role in decreasing cardiovascular damage. These beneficial compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls; therefore, anti-oxidants can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease and arthritis.
 

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Pears consumption helps in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps remove free radicals form the system, and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke. Green peas are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is important for both bone health and proper blood clotting.

Furthermore, fiber plays a direct role in lowering cholesterol levels, further reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
 

Pears: Source of Dietary Fiber

Pears are a source of dietary fiber. Fiber may help with weight management, as well as keep your digestive health in check. Fiber also acts to prevent constipation, help lower cholesterol levels, reduce cancer risk, as well as relieve other gastro-intestinal issues. Specifically, consuming regular amounts of high fiber fruits, such as pears, may help reduce breast cancer risk in post menopausal women.
 

Traditional Uses of Pears

Pears have been used to treat coughs, eliminate mucus, and lubricate the throat. Pears have also been used for their calming effects on the system. Pears have also been used as potent detoxifiers.