Health Benefits of Fruit and Veggies

Health Benefits of Fruit & Veggies

Fruit and vegetables contain an amazing amount of antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals that are the cause of many diseases. Fresh or made into smoothies, they have a positive effect on your families health.

Apricots

Apricots are good for eyesight and protect against heart disease. They are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene which strengthen the immune system. They are also a good source of beta-carotene that protects the body against free radicals and are the cause of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Apricots contain vitamins A, C, E, potassium and iron. They are good for digestion, as they are high in fiber. Apricots have high amounts of catalase enzymes. Catalase a protein found in cells that convert hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. As we grow older the body produces less of the catalase enzymes. Research has been done which suggests that a decrease in catalase enzymes cause your hair to turn gray.

Asparagus

Asparagus is packed with antioxidants that have the ability to neutralize cell damaging free radicals. Free radicals are the cause of many diseases and cause early aging. Asparagus has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Asparagus contain vitamins A, C, E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid as well as iron, potassium, phosphorus, copper,  manganese and selenium. It strengthens the immune system.  Research has found that vitamin K plays a critical role in protecting your heart, preventing diabetes, cancer, and helps build strong bones thereby protecting against osteoporosis. Asparagus is anti-cancer. It contains chromium, a trace mineral that aids insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Good for diabetes. It contains a good source of fiber that prevents constipation.

Avocados

Contains an antioxidant, lycopene, It strengthens the immune system. It helps prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Omega three fatty acids in avocados promote a healthy heart and brain. High vitamin E content neutralizes free radicals and help to reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s. Avocados contain vitamin A, C, D, E and K, as well as potassium and B vitamins, thiamine, niacin, biotin. Avocados are one of the richest sources of the catalase enzymes.

Bananas

Contain potassium, which is good for a healthy heart and regulates blood pressure. They also provide energy. The fiber in bananas, prevent constipation. They contain vitamin A, which provide good vision. They keep skin healthy and prevent wrinkles and aging of the skin. Bananas contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that protect cells from damage by free- radicals, which is the main cause of diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Beetroot

Eating beetroot regularly reduces blood pressure. Beetroot is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the heart. Beetroot contains a lot of iron. The iron assists with treating anemia. The purple pigment in beetroot, increase and normalize cell respiration. Beetroot protects us against cancer. It is a great liver cleaner. Beetroot contains folic acid.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon contain vitamin C one of the powerful antioxidants which help to neutralize free radicals that are the cause of diseases and the process of aging. It lowers cholesterol and the risk of stroke or heart attack. Bitter melon contains antiviral, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Bitter melon can reduce blood sugar levels. It is used as an herbal remedy for type 2 diabetes. This  benefit comes from the juice of un-ripened fruit.  This fruit looks like a light green wrinkled cucumber. When it ripens it turns red. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. In Asia it is used to treat malaria and cancer. It is also used to treat fever, colic, flu and to relief menstruation symptoms. Bitter melon contains vitamin A, C, vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, as well as minerals such as zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium and large amount of iron and calcium. Also contain flavonoids such as beta carotene and lutein. Recent research shows that the plant may be a powerful natural cancer cure. Research of bitter melon juice found that it launched a two-way attack by inducing cell death and starving cancer cells of the sugar they need to survive. Tests done on mice revealed tumors shrank by 64 percent. Bitter melon extract can help to prevent breast cancer. Research found that bitter melon slowed cell growth and division. They found that the extract also caused breast cancer cells to self-destruct.

Research suggests that compounds in bitter melon might be effective for treating HIV infection.

Figs

Figs are rich in antioxidants that protect cells against damage from free radicals, which cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

They also protect against breast cancer. Figs are a good source of dietary fiber. They contain iron, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins and vitamin K.  The potassium helps to regulate blood pressure. Figs contain calcium, which is good for bone health. They also contain omega 6 fatty acids that protect the heart.