Learning More About the Superfruits
Food as superstars, such is the trend these days. In recent years, media has focused a lot of attention on foods that provide the best nutrients and health benefits. Names like mangosteen, noni and goji berry were once very exotic-sounding but these days many people are familiar with them. These fruits are made into health drinks, energy bars and even nouveau cuisine.
Collectively, these fruits are called “superfruits” which is a spin-off of the concept of “Superfoods”. Superfruits refer to the exclusive group of fruits that are not only loaded with nutrients but also have the ability to create strong antioxidant effects. These fruits contain phytonutrients which are naturally occurring compounds found in plant foods that offer powerful health benefits. It is the phytonutrient content of fruits that makes them “super” in comparison with other fruits.
Phytonutrients is responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables. They also have strong antioxidant abilities which allows them to neutralize the unstable compounds called free radicals. Thus eating superfruits helps enhance the immune system making one less susceptible to diseases and also aids in the prevention of premature aging.
The following is a list of five of the most popular superfruits. Learn more about them and the health benefits they provide.
Acai: This fruit is native to the Amazon rainforest. It is high in antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein. Natives have been using the acai berry for years to improve immunity, reduce inflammation, and boost energy. It is also popular for its ability to create weight loss by increasing the body’s metabolism.
Goji: The goji berry is found in the Himalayan region near China, India and Tibet. For thousands of years, it has been used traditionally in China to strengthen the immune system, relieve stress and increase metabolism. This fruit contains nutrients, Vitamin C, beneficial polysaccharides, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Mangosteen: This fruit is native to the Malay Archipelago. Like the other superfruits, it is also rich in antioxidants. This “Queen of Fruits” has been used in traditional medicine to promote healthy cholesterol levels, boost energy and enhance urinary tract and digestive health.
Noni: This fruit comes from the South Pacific Islands but is now also found in India, French Polynesia, Tahiti and parts of the West Indies. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino aicds, the noni fruit has been used in traditional medicine to fight disease, boost metabolism, support the both the digestive and circulatory systems and enhance the immune system.
Pomegranate: This fruit which comes from a small shrub found all over the Himalayan region, is rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and polyphenols which are loaded with antioxidants. In traditional medicine, it is used to prevent disease, reduce inflammation and promote digestive and cardiovascular health.
Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/. He writes and researches actively on Healthy Weight Loss and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/ where he works as a staff writer.