For almost 8,000 years, pomegranates have been used by the native Persians as a natural method of healing (believed to be the origin of contemporary western medicine). Pomegranates are a good source of vitamins, including magnesium and kalium, which are well known for their healthy promotion of blood purification and circulation. Besides, pomegranates contain estrogen-like substances which could be useful in combating symptoms of menopause, nourishing skin and lowering cholesterol. Along with vitamins and antioxidants, two types of amino acids, glutamine and asparagine, are also found to extend the body’s natural adrenaline as well as curing canker sore and quenching your thirst!

Recent studies have found blueberries to be rich in healthy compounds, said Dr. Agnes Rimando, a researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture . These compounds are called pterostilbene , an antioxidant that can effectively lower cholesterol levels and has huge potential in the human health field.

Adequate cranberry juice intake will help treat and reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, from a medical journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases Society Of America , published on 15th May 2004.

Among different types of fruit, apples seem to be the most simple, yet one of the most highly nutritious fruit. Traditional Chinese doctors believe apples can “increase lung flexibility, produce saliva and nurture abdomen and spleen” . Apples can help reduce cholesterol and eliminate fat deposits. Once, a French researcher conducted an experiment on a group of males and females who consume 2-3 apples a day. One month later, 80% of the candidates were found to have lower “bad” LDL cholesterol but higher “good” HDL cholesterol . This suggested that apples can help prevent and cure coronary artery disease. Apples are also high in potassium that is important for people with high blood pressure, while constipated people will find cellulose very beneficial. On the other hand, acids found in apples are useful in combating diarrhoea. Naturally low in calories and high in nutrients, apples also make a great diet food!

Mango has many health benefits. It is one of very few fruit that are rich in protein, giving a healthy way to feel full. Mango can improve eye sight and skin, detoxify your body and lower blood pressure. It can also relieve motion sickness and, similarly, morning sickness in pregnant women.

Pineapples are good at relieving upset stomach. Their sweet and sour meat can be appetising and is rich in fructose, glucose, protein, citric acid and vitamins, making pineapples a popular fruit. Li Shizhen, a famous traditional Chinese pharmacist, said pineapples can nurture stomach and spleen, and maintain energy in the body.

Coconut acts to strengthen the immune system. It is abundant in fat and protein, and is therefore widely used to relieve the symptoms of fatigue.

Cherries and grapes and kidney-friend foods. Cherries are small in size, yet full of iron that is needed for healthy blood, especially in people who suffer iron deficiency anaemia. On the other hand, grape meat and seeds, mostly known for wine production, are also health-promoting and thus many French people drink wine every day. Grapes are excellent sources of vitamins E, B12 and C, which can prevent or cure coronary artery disease.

Most people probably associate vitamin C with oranges. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, prevent cancer and detoxify your body. Further, traditional Chinese medicine believes that oranges will help in mucus elimination and promote healthy abdomen and spleen

Carrot is known to help reduce fat deposits and improve liver function. It is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene. When consumed, the human body will convert beta-carotene into vitamin A which is essential for the health of eyes, skin and body growth. Besides, it can cure acne and abscess, and help treat emphysema and toxic thyroid disease.

Tomato contains lycopene , a carotenoid without provitamin A activity . Several studies show tomatoes can mitigate cancer and coronary artery disease, as lycopene works to balance the hormonal and immune systems as well as body metabolism. Healthy people who consume lycopene in the form of tomato juice or sauce for one week are found to have lower oxidised LDL , causing their blood cholesterol to reduce. Other studies suggest that tomato consumption may help reduce DNA damage in white blood cells and prostate.

Pomelo contains phosphorous, calcium, lipid acid and vitamins A and B, and can reduce intestinal gas. Pectin may mark a bitter taste, yet it is effective in lowering the accumulation of body fat, particularly in the abdomen.

Bright yellow to orange fruits, including peaches, are known for their high vitamin A that is vital in the functioning of rod cells and cone cells of the retina as well as membrane maintenance. It also promotes the growth of bones and teeth and a healthy reproductive system. The yellow substances in peaches contain the antioxidant Beta-cryptoxanthin which can prevent cell damage, maintain a healthy heart and abdomen, and has a gentle laxative effect. Peaches also provide boron that acts to stimulate the brain. As such, its deficiency may result in decreased brain activity and short attention spans.

Prunes are a great source of dietary fibre , both soluble and insoluble, which help to reduce LDL cholesterol for those who suffer high blood pressure.

Prunes are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins including :
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) for healthy red blood cells, skin, nail and hair.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) that acts as an antioxidant to aid in brain aging and cancer prevention.
• Vitamin E , an antioxidant important for the health of red blood cells, skin and eyesight.
• Calcium for the development of bones and teeth and the maintenance of regular heart beat.
• Iron , which is essential for the formation of haemoglobin, the red pigment in blood.

Prune juice is made from dried plums, a fruit that contains various nutrients and has been eaten for centuries. Although plum has a sweet taste, the sugar is mainly of fructose and sorbitol which do not rapidly raise the sugar level in blood. More importantly, prune juice is a good laxative and can be safely used to relieve constipation in both adults and children.