by Jeana Lynn of The Network Community
We have all learned at a young age that eating fruits and vegetables is good for you. Over the years, our nutrition experts keep refining their knowledge and add new prefixes to our fruits. For example, we now have superfruits, healing fruits, and anti-aging fruits. If you are wondering if all of the hype is true - if fruits can benefit you more than just with their nutrients - the answer is, yes.
There is such a thing as superfruits, and they do help protect the body from certain cancers and infections, and they can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Not only do these fruits have healing powers, but they are delicious and do not always have to be found at specialty markets.
The fruits of choice for my house are usually bananas, oranges, watermelon, and the more conventional fruits. I was at the market a few weeks ago and saw fruits I have never heard of, like dragon fruit and mangosteen, and there was an entire display in the center of the fruit section of pomegranates. I decided to change it up and buy these new exotic fruits, not knowing anything about their benefits. I came home and Googled the health benefits of these fruits along with those of the more conventional fruits, and I was amazed.
I learned that mangosteen (which looks nothing like a mango) is a fruit from Thailand. It is a small ball with a hard purple rind that is inedible and the inside is light in color and has a creamy texture. It tastes delicious and has a light flavor similar to a pear. The health benefits range from slowing down cancer growths to boosting the immune system, and they also serve as a skincare remedy for acne.
Dragon fruit is a fruit that is grown in Central America and Vietnam. It is a little pricey but worth the treat. It looks as exotic as its name, with an inedible rind bright in color usually pink or bright red. The inside is sweet and juicy but lower in sugar than most other fruits so it is a good choice for someone with elevated blood sugars or diabetes. It is packed with vitamin C, helps build collagen for the skin, and is loaded with fiber.
Pomegranate is a fruit I have had before, but my interest was piqued because the media has given it so much attention over the last few years. The outside is hard in texture and inedible but the inside is gem-like, full of small seeds that are sweet and tart. You can cut into it or just eat the small seeds that are bursting with flavor. This fruit is loaded with anti-oxidants and has a high polyphenol levels which fight cancer and other diseases.
The superfruit list also includes some more common fruits, like cranberries, avocados, kiwis, apples, papayas, and blackberries. So, the next time you are at the market, give one of these superfruits a try. See if you think the superfruits are as tasty as they are healthful.
Jeana Lynn has over 22 years of experience in the fitness industry, with a passion for keeping the mind and body healthy. Jeana Lynn is the author of “Bliss,” a self-help guide to peace, harmony, and physical strength through yoga. She also wrote and starred in HGTV broadband show “Everyday Yoga,” and developed and taught “Yoga for KIDS,” an exercise program in Miami, Florida, with the goal of helping children with problems that often inhibit their self-image. In addition, Jeana Lynn specializes in teen workshops focusing on mindful eating, body image and self esteem. Jeana Lynn’s private yoga studio is in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.

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Posted by: Jack Cook | 10/01/2011 at 06:31 AM
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