Are you eating your Superfruits?

Superfruits are known to have amazing health benefits because of their high nutritional content, their antioxidant value, or their ability to prevent certain medical conditions.  Because of this, it is highly recommended that everyone try to incorporate these fruits into their diets whenever possible. Not every fruit qualifies. Only those deemed "super" by nutrition scientists are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that can help you live longer, look better and even prevent disease.  Some popular super fruits include:

Apples    
Surprise, Surprise!  Yes an apple a day does keep the Dr. Away!  Apples are a great fiber source, but the skin contains quercetin, an antioxidant that packs antihistamine and anti-inflammatory power, and therefore may help protect you from heart disease and possibly allergic reactions.

Avocados

You bet, that this is a Superfruit (remember, fruits have seeds, vegetables don't). Packed with monounsaturated fat and fatty acids, avocados can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while raising the amount of good cholesterol in your body. The healthy fats in avocados also promote the absorption of other carotenoids -- especially beta-carotene and lycopene -- which are essential for heart health.

Blueberries
Researchers have found that Blueberries are known to be an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, and at the same time, contain very high levels of antioxidants. Because of several studies that link blueberries to improved brain function, they are also believed to be highly beneficial in the fight against Alzheimer's. Also Blueberries are a great source of vitamin E and an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Bananas
Stop monkeying around and get serious about Bananas!  Ever grab a snack but then feel hungry again 20 minutes later? Next time, reach for a banana. This Superfruit is loaded with potassium, which can lower your blood pressure.  A banana is one of the best sources of Resistant Starch, which is a healthy carb that fills you up and helps to boost your metabolism.


Cranberries
Cranberries have vitamin C and fiber, and are only 45 calories per cup. In disease-fighting antioxidants, cranberries outrank nearly every fruit and vegetable with the exception of Blueberries.
These tart little berries are Superfruits, but especially for women. They may prevent urinary-tract infections, and might help fight a far scarier disease: ovarian cancer.


Pomegranates
They are known to be high in vitamin C, vitamin B5, and potassium and have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicines. This superfruit is believed to combat such ailments as Alzheimerís and other neurodegeneration, heart disease, eye strain, and diabetes.

There are many other super fruits available that you can choose from.   Each one contains a wide range of vitamins and nutrients. To reap the most benefits it is important to include a variety of these Superfruits in your regular diet.

Sources

Web MD - http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cranberries-year-round-superfood

American Nutrition - http://www.americannutrition.com/store/superfruits_blueberry.html      http://www.americannutrition.com/store/superfruits_blueberry.html

Huffington Post - http://www.americannutrition.com/store/superfruits_blueberry.html