Commonly known as superfood, fruits are naturally high and rich in varieties of food nutrients that guarantees a healthy life for everyone. These include vitamins A, C and K as well as calcium, manganese, antioxidants and iron among others.
Fruits and vegetables are great for your health—and even better for your heart. But some foods are more powerful than others. These are known as super foods.
According to Culinary scientists, Superfoods have more than their fair share of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients.
In this article, we’ll look at the super fruits you can add to your diet to make it that much more nutritional and tastier.
Apples: As the adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away and this in fact, is accurate. Apple is the richest source of pectin, a soluble fibre that has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, decrease the risk of colon and breast cancers, and maybe even lessen the severity of diabetes. They can be found at any supermarket or market.
Oranges: Just one medium orange can supply all your daily vitamin C need, which is a dynamite immune booster and cancer fighter. And consuming vitamin C is best done in its natural form. Researchers also found that test subjects had greater antioxidant protection after drinking orange juice. Plus, this fruit is a good source of fibre, potassium, calcium, folate, and other B vitamins. Oranges can be bought at supermarkets and markets.
Pawpaw: According to researchers, one cup of pawpaw cubes supplies more than 100% of your daily Vitamin C requirement, as well as a hefty dose of potassium and folate. It is also a good source of vitamins A and E, two powerful antioxidants that protect against heart disease and certain cancers. Pawpaw can be bought in fresh food markets or stalls.
Raspberries: Tart, sweet, and incredibly juicy, just one-half cup of these berries provides a whopping 4 grams of fibre and more than 25% of the daily recommended intake for both vitamin C and manganese – which helps in blood clotting. Raspberries also contain a powerful arsenal of antioxidants, including members of the anthocyanin family, which can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers. antimicrobial properties. Raspberries are found in supermarkets.
Avocado: Yes, avocados are fruits too! Just one half of a medium-size avocado contains more than 4 grams of fibre and 15% of your recommended daily folate intake.
Cholesterol-free and rich in monounsaturated fats and potassium, avocados are also a powerhouse for heart health. It also helps that this fruit is delicious and can be found anywhere all year long.
What is a superfood?
There is no exact definition of what makes a “superfood.” However, superfoods are considered to be nutrient powerhouses that provide large quantities of antioxidants, phytochemicals (chemicals in plants responsible for colors and smells), vitamins and minerals. Most superfoods are plant-based, but some fish and dairy also make the cut.
Examples of popular superfoods include salmon, kale, açaí berries, kefir and almonds, just to name a few. Since there is not a strict definition of superfoods, any food that is nutrient-dense is commonly put into this category.
Benefits of superfoods
The high vitamin and mineral content found in superfoods can help your body ward off diseases and keep you healthier. When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these foods can promote heart health, weight loss, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of aging.
Antioxidants found in many superfoods may help prevent cancer, while healthy fats can reduce your risk of heart disease. Fiber, which is also found in many superfoods, can help prevent diabetes and digestive problems while phytochemicals have numerous health benefits including reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Superfoods are also known to protect your organs from toxins, help lower cholesterol, regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.
