Top Power Fruits
FRUITY FACTS
A portion of fruit is equivalent to roughly 80-100g, according to Nutritionists. That's the same as one generous slice of large fruits like pineapple or melon, half a medium fruit like grapefruit, or a whole orange, banana or pear.
~ BANANAS
This fruit can help depression, and also has beneficial effects on digestion and ulcers. "Perhaps the ultimate fast food, bananas are understandably one of the most popular energy boosters. "They also contain tryptophan which the body can convert to serotonin - a hormone that helps lift moods and promote sleep." The pectin fibre helps soothe heartburn, ulcers, inflammation of the digestive tract and helps to to lower cholesterol.
A study carried out by mental health charity Mind found that eating just 1 banana made people with mild depression feel better. Eating one fresh but not too ripe banana a day will help stave off the blues and aid concentration.
~ BLUEBERRIES
This well-known superfood could be beneficial for our eyes and brains, for strengthening veins and arteries and for improving our circulation. Blueberries may also help lower cholesterol and protect against cancer.
"Studies have shown that blueberries can help to improve brain function and the eyes, helping night vision and protecting against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma," says Savona.
Here's an interesting fact: just one wild blueberry from Patagonia contains up to 11 times the antioxidant activity of a normal blueberry, research has found, and has been proven to have beneficial effects on those at a greater risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins. Travellers concerned about Deep Vein Thrombosis could take Zinopin Daily, which contains the Patagonia blueberry.
~ CANTALOUPE MELONS
Cantaloupes could help protect the eyes and lungs, and contain nutrients contributing to fertility and sexual performance. "The red flesh is rich in powerful antioxidant nutrients, such as water-soluble vitamin C and fat-soluble lycopene and beta carotene."
"The seeds are loaded with antioxidants such as zinc, selenium, vitamin E, plus essential fats, so crunch through them to get the full benefit. Pretty much all these nutrients contribute to fertility and sexual performance," says Savona.
Melons are also high in vitamin A. A study of over 50,000 female nurses found those who consumed high amounts of vitamin A had a 39% reduced risk of developing cataracts. The melons should be eaten fresh and without adding sugar.
~ KIWIFRUIT
Kiwis are thought to help lower blood pressure and digestion and may reduce asthma symptoms in children. Savona says: "Scientists have found that eating two or three kiwifruit a day helps reduce blood clotting and therefore stroke potential, as well as blood fats. They're also good for balancing out your salt intake to keep your blood pressure right."
Kiwifruit contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges, more fibre than apples and as much vitamin E as an avocado. Children eating the most citrus and kiwi fruit (five to seven servings per week) had 44% less incidence of asthma wheezing compared to children eating the least (less than once a week), a recent study found. Although be aware that some people, particularly children, can have an allergic reaction to kiwifruit, especially the skin.
~ PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is thought to be beneficial for arthritis and joint pain. "Pineapple can help relieve the swelling linked to arthritis and sore throats, as well as injuries or operations".
It's rich in an enzyme called bromelain, which appears to thin mucus so it's useful for helping bronchitis, asthma and sinus problems. It can also help reduce the stickiness of blood, and has been shown to relieve angina and thrombosis.
In clinical trials, bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in conditions such as arthritis and gout, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery. Bromelain will aid digestion when eaten with a meal, but for reducing inflammation, the best way to get it is to eat fresh pineapple.
~ PRUNES
As well as easing constipation, prunes are also efficient at aiding detoxification, protecting you from disease and keeping the ageing process in check. "Prunes are one of the top foods for total antioxidant power," Savona says. "Prunes are also fat free and high in potassium and iron."
Prunes have been used for hundreds of years as a beneficial treatment for constipation, because they're a natural laxative and there's no evidence that they damage the colon, unlike other medications. Try stewed prunes or prune juice, but don't overdo it. Limit yourself to just 2-4oz (a small glass) of juice or three to four stewed prunes every day.
~ TOMATOES
Hailed as a natural weapon in the fight against cancer, tomatoes are particularly beneficial to men, protecting against prostate cancer and boosting sperm production. Tomatoes may also help prevent DVT.
"These are one of the most commonly eaten wonderfoods" . "Tomatoes contain a nutrient called lycopene which protects against cancer and guards the skin and eyes from sun damage." The rich vitamin C and potassium content of tomatoes also helps combat cardiovascular disease. However, some of the antioxidants in tomatoes may trigger joint pain in arthritis sufferers.
Researchers at the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, found that tomatoes contain a unique chemical which thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots and DVT.
Lycopene in tomatoes is absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The Sirco range of fruit drinks now contain Fruitflow, the patented group of chemicals found in tomatoes.
A portion of fruit is equivalent to roughly 80-100g, according to Nutritionists. That's the same as one generous slice of large fruits like pineapple or melon, half a medium fruit like grapefruit, or a whole orange, banana or pear.
~ BANANAS
This fruit can help depression, and also has beneficial effects on digestion and ulcers. "Perhaps the ultimate fast food, bananas are understandably one of the most popular energy boosters. "They also contain tryptophan which the body can convert to serotonin - a hormone that helps lift moods and promote sleep." The pectin fibre helps soothe heartburn, ulcers, inflammation of the digestive tract and helps to to lower cholesterol.
A study carried out by mental health charity Mind found that eating just 1 banana made people with mild depression feel better. Eating one fresh but not too ripe banana a day will help stave off the blues and aid concentration.
~ BLUEBERRIES
This well-known superfood could be beneficial for our eyes and brains, for strengthening veins and arteries and for improving our circulation. Blueberries may also help lower cholesterol and protect against cancer.
"Studies have shown that blueberries can help to improve brain function and the eyes, helping night vision and protecting against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma," says Savona.
Here's an interesting fact: just one wild blueberry from Patagonia contains up to 11 times the antioxidant activity of a normal blueberry, research has found, and has been proven to have beneficial effects on those at a greater risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins. Travellers concerned about Deep Vein Thrombosis could take Zinopin Daily, which contains the Patagonia blueberry.
~ CANTALOUPE MELONS
Cantaloupes could help protect the eyes and lungs, and contain nutrients contributing to fertility and sexual performance. "The red flesh is rich in powerful antioxidant nutrients, such as water-soluble vitamin C and fat-soluble lycopene and beta carotene."
"The seeds are loaded with antioxidants such as zinc, selenium, vitamin E, plus essential fats, so crunch through them to get the full benefit. Pretty much all these nutrients contribute to fertility and sexual performance," says Savona.
Melons are also high in vitamin A. A study of over 50,000 female nurses found those who consumed high amounts of vitamin A had a 39% reduced risk of developing cataracts. The melons should be eaten fresh and without adding sugar.
~ KIWIFRUIT
Kiwis are thought to help lower blood pressure and digestion and may reduce asthma symptoms in children. Savona says: "Scientists have found that eating two or three kiwifruit a day helps reduce blood clotting and therefore stroke potential, as well as blood fats. They're also good for balancing out your salt intake to keep your blood pressure right."
Kiwifruit contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges, more fibre than apples and as much vitamin E as an avocado. Children eating the most citrus and kiwi fruit (five to seven servings per week) had 44% less incidence of asthma wheezing compared to children eating the least (less than once a week), a recent study found. Although be aware that some people, particularly children, can have an allergic reaction to kiwifruit, especially the skin.
~ PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is thought to be beneficial for arthritis and joint pain. "Pineapple can help relieve the swelling linked to arthritis and sore throats, as well as injuries or operations".
It's rich in an enzyme called bromelain, which appears to thin mucus so it's useful for helping bronchitis, asthma and sinus problems. It can also help reduce the stickiness of blood, and has been shown to relieve angina and thrombosis.
In clinical trials, bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in conditions such as arthritis and gout, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery. Bromelain will aid digestion when eaten with a meal, but for reducing inflammation, the best way to get it is to eat fresh pineapple.
~ PRUNES
As well as easing constipation, prunes are also efficient at aiding detoxification, protecting you from disease and keeping the ageing process in check. "Prunes are one of the top foods for total antioxidant power," Savona says. "Prunes are also fat free and high in potassium and iron."
Prunes have been used for hundreds of years as a beneficial treatment for constipation, because they're a natural laxative and there's no evidence that they damage the colon, unlike other medications. Try stewed prunes or prune juice, but don't overdo it. Limit yourself to just 2-4oz (a small glass) of juice or three to four stewed prunes every day.
~ TOMATOES
Hailed as a natural weapon in the fight against cancer, tomatoes are particularly beneficial to men, protecting against prostate cancer and boosting sperm production. Tomatoes may also help prevent DVT.
"These are one of the most commonly eaten wonderfoods" . "Tomatoes contain a nutrient called lycopene which protects against cancer and guards the skin and eyes from sun damage." The rich vitamin C and potassium content of tomatoes also helps combat cardiovascular disease. However, some of the antioxidants in tomatoes may trigger joint pain in arthritis sufferers.
Researchers at the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, found that tomatoes contain a unique chemical which thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots and DVT.
Lycopene in tomatoes is absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The Sirco range of fruit drinks now contain Fruitflow, the patented group of chemicals found in tomatoes.


