Fruit Benefits

FRUIT NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS & POTENTIAL BENEFITS

 

Acai berry-also pronounced AH-SIGH-EE, the star of our fruit bowl complex, boasts an ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity-measures the antioxidant capacity of food) is off the charts, when compared to other fruits we traditionally eat in our daily diet. Acai has the protein profile similar to that of an egg, a low glycemic index, plus a polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat ratio almost identical to olive oil. Not to mention it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals i.e. vitamin E, iron, copper and calcium. In addition, it has 30 times the anthocyanin content of red wine!

Benefits- this little resilient purple berry grows in the harsh tropical heat and flood plains of the Amazon Rainforest and really packs a punch! Also known as the "black pearl" or "the Viagra" of the Amazon, acai berry has been used to naturally boost energy, support the immune system, promote a healthy heart, healthy sexual function and even slow the aging process, just to name a few of the many reasons to consume this potent little berry. It also contains a long list of beneficial nutrients: antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids (omega 3), amino acids, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Modern scientific experts have revered this small berry as the most nutritious and potent food in the world!

History-Acai has been used for centuries by indigenous groups of the Amazon and even today. Once used by tribal healers to help promote a healthy immune system and long life and also said to be consumed by warriors for strength and vigor.

 

Marionberries- when plant antioxidant first came to public attention blackberries were one of the first to rise to the top of the ORAC charts. Marrionberries, a species of blackberry first bred and cultivated in Oregon's Willamette River Valley, Marion County.

The shape, exceptional taste and aroma make it a favorite of gourmet chefs. It is an "aggregate fruit" made up of individual drupelets, each like a small berry with one seed surrounding a core, lending to extra skin, seeds and pectin, making the blackberry family among the highest fiber content plants known.

Benefits-known to some as the "cabernet" of berries, with marionberries earthy wine like flavor. This berry provides multiple macronutrients i.e. high dietary fiber, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats (good for the heart), low fat, protein and high micronutrient content of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Rich in vitamins A, vitamin C and phenolic acids (known as antioxidant compounds potent in anti-carcinogenic agents). Not to mention regularly consuming blackberries could help the bodies defense system against; several types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, age related cognitive decline, inhibit blood clotting and inflammation of the lungs.

 

Blueberries-also have a consistent high rank on the antioxidant scale when compared to other fresh fruits and veggies. A good source of minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, phenolics and flavanoids.

Benefits-blueberries have been shown to promote a healthy heart, improved memory function, reversal of some loss of balance and coordination and support urinary tract health.

 

Raspberries- red raspberries have a substantial amount of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound. This compound is known to act as a potent anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic.

Benefits- the ellagic acid in red raspberries may help your body to stave off cancer and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

 

Strawberries-little know fact, strawberries are a member of the rose family, who would have thought? High in vitamin C, folate and a good source of fiber.

 

Kiwi-a native to the Yangtze River valley of northern China and Zhejiang Province, on the coast of eastern China. Kiwi continues to astound researchers with it's ability to protect cell DNA from oxidative damage and promote cardiovascular health. Additionally, it is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber and trace minerals.

Benefits-kiwi promotes healthy eyes, cell function and heart health

 

Banana- we find this familiar healthy "monkey" snack on our kitchen counters across the U.S. and understandably so... This oh so familiar fruit staple is high in fiber, is a great source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B and magnesium.

Benefits-little known fact bananas help to promote sleep! So if you're having trouble catching those zzzzz take a bite of one of these. Also, known to promote a healthy nervous system and often thought to relieve muscle cramps.