Sweet Potato
Just like carrots, sweet potatoes are both sweet and savory. They are not related to the ordinary potato, but they have far more health values than potatoes. They have adequate amounts of antioxidants, minerals, have high amounts of vitamin E, and are low fat.
- Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, which reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancers, and cataracts
- They have very high amounts of vitamin E, having more than any other low fat foods. Vitamin E increases health benefits to the heart and skin, and helps with male fertility.
- Sweet potatoes also have high amounts of potassium, which helps regulate and prevents high blood pressure
- They also contain iron, which is an ideal food for vegetarians. Iron prevents infections, and provide energy for the body.
- Eating ½ pound serving of baked sweet potato daily can increase the carotene and vitamin E to more than double than other people's daily vitamin E requirement. It is recommended to eat some sweet potato every other day, for protective effect and a good intake amount of potassium.
Bilberry
Bilberries and blueberries are part of the Vaccinium family. Bilberries are also known as wild blueberries. Both berries are widely available in many farms, and they have a unique color.
- Bilberries strengthen blood capillaries and improve circulation. They also help prevent and treat chilblains, broken veins, varicose veins, and poor circulation in diabetics.
- Consuming bilberry extract, with 20mg of beta-carotene, can improve the adaption of the eyes between light and night visions
- Bilberries help the body resist illnesses, since the fruit contains antioxidant, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory actions
- Blueberries have the same compounds as cranberries, which prevents the bacteria to cause bladder infections
- Eating fresh or dried bilberries and blueberries are used to treat diarrhea
- Eating any amount of blueberries and bilberries can still help strengthen capillaries. It is recommended to eat 2 small glasses of juice.
Cranberry
Cranberries have been valued as a food and as a medicine. Native Americans use them for blood poisoning. They are in the same family as the bilberries. They were once an important source of vitamin C in the winter. One of their best feature is their bright red color.
- The most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli, thrives by latching itself to the walls of the intestines and bladder. Cranberries have a substance that prevents the bacteria to latch to the walls, causing active cranberry eaters to prevent themselves from having E. coli.
- Cranberries helps with the body's defenses, since they are antiviral and anti-fungal (except for Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections.)
- It is helpful for kidney stone sufferers, because small amounts of cranberries reduces the levels of calcium in the kidneys, so less is present for stone formation; however, it is not recommended to eat large amounts of cranberries, because they are high in oxalates, which encourages kidney stones
- Eating 6 oz. (170g) cranberries a day, or drinking 1½ - 2 cups (340-500ml) of pure juice can treat urinary infections. Eating the fruit is better; juice drinks are usually high in sugar.
Orange
One of the most reliable source of vitamin C, oranges are always healthy and can be eaten raw, so you do not lose any nutrients during cooking. Not only they contain vitamin C, oranges also have good sources of fiber, fruit flavonoids, and natural oil. Although orange juice is seen as a healthy shortcut, it is always better to eat the entire fruit.
- Vitamin C is vital for resistance against many infections, as it is an antioxidant and also helps with iron absorption. Oranges combine vitamin C and flavonoids, such as hesperidin, which strengthens vitamin C's antioxidant powers.
- People who eat oranges daily have lower rates of cancer, especially of the stomach. The fruit blocks the nitrification of nitrites and nitrates in foods, into nitrosamines, which associates with stomach cancer.
- Oranges contain pectin, a form of soluble fiber that reduces the “bad” LDL-type cholesterol
- Oranges help maintain cell wall strength, aiding capillary circulation
- Eat oranges freely. Any amount of oranges helps resistance to illness. The peel and oil of the orange are as valuable as the juicy flesh.
Pineapple
Many people should enjoy this delicious fruit more often. Pineapples contain powerful bromelain enzymes, which help with healing, reducing inflammation from many causes, and improving digestion.
- The bromelain enzymes in the pineapple helps lessen time and the degree of inflammation. The enzymes were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to speed tissue repair from the result of injuries, diabetic ulcers, and from surgery.
- The enzymes help break down protein, which eases digestion
- Blood clots occur in the oxygen-carrying vessels, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Pineapple enzymes help prevent the tendency of blood clotting and improves blood circulation.
- Enzyme activity is always different in pineapples, because of different types of pineapples, the growing condition, and ripeness of the pineapple. Eating fresh pineapples will always give you better benefits than canned pineapples.
