A to Z List of Fruits and Vegetables

Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable, well known for heart health. It contains folate which is highly critical for the healthy functioning of the heart. Another important aspect of asparagus is that it is considered to be a healthy food in promoting gut flora. Apples Apples are believed to be the most commonly consumed fruit in the world and rightfully so since it contains unique health benefits. Apples are highly recommended for heart health; however, in order to obtain the full benefit from apples it is necessary to eat the fruit along with the skin. Avocado Informally referred to as the alligator pear, the avocado is a creamy fruit with a number of health benefits. One important monounsaturated fat found in avocados is known as oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol. Apricots Apricots are another excellent source of nutrients. The Beta carotene found in apricots is useful in protecting the heart and the eyes and helps protect the good cholesterol from being oxidized, which in turn can help in preventing heart disorders. Banana One particular fruit readily available throughout the year is the ubiquitous banana, which is packed with essential potassium and high energy that can be safely consumed from infants to elders. Believed to be one of the best sources of potassium, bananas are useful in maintaining normal blood pressure and heart functions. Beetroot Beetroot contains the bio active agent betaine, which supports healthy liver function. When the liver is functioning properly, fats are broken down efficiently, aiding weight loss, and preventing fatigue and nausea. Drinking beetroot juice boosts your stamina and could help you exercise for up to 16% longer. It is also an excellent source of folic acid. They are a very good source of fiber, manganese and potassium. Beet greens and beetroot are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin B6. Beet fiber has been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beetroot its color, and has powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated that red beet products used regularly in the diet may provide protection against certain oxidative stress-related disorders in humans. Bell Peppers Available in a wide array of vivid colors, bell peppers are seen in colors ranging from green, red, yellow orange and sometimes even purple. One important health benefit of bell peppers is the abundance of beta-carotene and its concentration of carotenoids, which are extremely powerful antioxidants against free radical damage to cells and tissues. Blueberries One important fruit that is extremely low in calories but bursting with nutrition and flavor is blueberries . Blueberries help to prevent eye disorders such as cataracts and glaucoma and also prevent varicose veins, heart disorders, peptic ulcers, and even cancer. Broccoli Closely related to the cauliflower family and a member of the cabbage family, broccoli is an essential cruciferous vegetable that contains significant anti-tumor properties. Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are another important vegetable that is known to heighten the natural process of the body's immune defense system in protecting the body against various diseases including malignant tumors. Cantaloupe With a refreshingly rich flavor and fragrance, the humble cantaloupe is wonderfully sweet and contains very few calories. High in vitamin A content, cantaloupes are highly recommended for people with eye disorders or have had cataract surgery. Carrots Easy to carry along and a favorite with children as well as adults, carrots make for a versatile snack and an important vegetable. They are an excellent source of antioxidant agents and the richest source of pro-vitamin Beta carotenes. Cauliflower As a member of the cruciferous family, cauliflower contains a number of chemical compounds that can help in restricting the activity of cancer-causing agents in the body. Cranberries A member of the blueberry family, cranberries are just as effective in promoting good health as blueberries. One important quantity of cranberries is its ability in bringing down urinary tract infections. Celery Considered to be an excellent source of vitamin C, celery can be used in reducing the symptoms of cold. Another important quantity of celery is its ability in reducing hypertension. Grapefruit Grapefruit contains excellent quantities of vitamin C which makes it a potent fighter against common colds. A number of scientific studies have strongly suggested that grapefruit is effective in fighting and in reducing the severity of cold symptoms. Grapes Grapes contain a category of nutrients referred to as polyphenols which are highly essential for good health. All the compounds found in grapes are useful in protecting the good cholesterol from free radical damage and reducing the clustering of platelets and preventing harmful blood clotting. Lemon Lemon is good for stomach and can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones. It is also excellent for Skin Care. Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin. Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums. Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well. Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression. Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma. Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body. Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier. Lettuce Since lettuce is very low in calories, it has been effective when consumed as a diet food. Lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep inducing substance. Romaine lettuce is the most nutrient-dense of all the lettuce varieties. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is said to help the growth of hair if drunk to the extent of a pint or so a day. Okra The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. Okra’s mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression. Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract. Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome. Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements. Okra is good for summer heat treatment. Okra is good in normalizing the blood sugar and cholesterol level. Okra is good for asthma. Okra’s vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which curtail the development of asthma symptoms. Okra is good for atherosclerosis. Eating okra helps to support the structure of capillaries. Some information shows that eating okra lowers the risk of cataracts. Okra is good for preventing diabetes. Okra protects you from pimples and maintains smooth and beautiful skin. Olives Believed to be an excellent source of vitamins E. and high in mono unsaturated fats, olives offer protection against free radicals in the cells and tissues. It is also useful in protecting against heart disorders and diseases and supports gastrointestinal health. Onions Despite its pungent odor and sulphur containing chemical agents, onions are highly recommended for promoting good health. It is extremely rich in an important trace mineral known as chromium which is useful in lowering the level of sugar in the blood. Oranges Orange juice is known to contain a high percentage of Vitamin C, which is helpful in boosting the immune system. So, you will be less likely to catch various illnesses, such as colds or the flu. Various medical studies show that orange juice may help lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels, which are two very common problems among middle aged men and women. Orange juice is thought to be very high in antioxidants. What this means is that this yummy juice may help prevent various forms of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Fairly large amounts of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for the body, can be found in orange juice. Studies have shown that orange juice can help reduce the risk of heart disease, which is because it can help improve circulation. Orange juice contains Folate, which plays a major role in the reproduction of new cells and can help with the healing process. Research has shown that orange juice has anti-inflammatory properties. If you experience a lot of arthritis-related pain, orange juice may really help relieve it. Papaya Papaya is an amazingly rich source of the proteolytic enzymes. These are the chemicals that enable the digestion of protein. Papain is the most important of these enzymes in the papaya. Rejuvenating properties of papaya are some of the benefits, especially for the control of premature ageing. It may be that it works simply because a poor digestion leaves the body without the correct nutrients. Those who find it almost impossible to digest anything frequently find that papaya used regularly, either in tablet or juice form, marks the turning point in the climb back to vitality and good health. It also acts as cleanser. Papaya contains arginine which is known to be essential for male fertility and also carpain, an enzyme thought to be good for the heart. After treatment with antibiotics the use of papaya juice will quickly assist the restoration of the normal bacteria in the gut which will have been destroyed by the treatment. Papaya is good for many digestive disorders and is excellent for improving poor digestion. It has also been recommended as part of the treatment for cancer. Therapeutically it can often be combined with pineapple juice in which there is another important enzyme, bromelain. The skin of the papaya is a first class external treatment for skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly. The pulp from the juicer can be used for this and as a poultice. Papaya is rich in starch. With its high content of starch, it acts and has an emollient property that can actually soothe the skin. It acts as an antacid. Thus, it helps in the digestive system. It works best also for those suffering from constipation. With its high content of potassium, it is good for combat for heart blood pressure. It acts as a vasodilator thus dilating or increasing the size of your blood vessels and it is known for its diuretic effect. It is also known for its antiscorbutic properties. Papaya boosts the immune system, thus decreasing the chances for illness. With its high content of calcium and phosphorus, it is known to help calm the spasms and cramps individuals would usually experience. It has a sedative effective function, thus causing muscles to relax. It is also rich in carbohydrates thus boosting the energy of an individual. Pineapple Pineapple is high in anti-oxidants. A very good source of vitamin C, pineapple offers your body an excellent protection against free-radicals, substances that attack healthy cells. A buildup of free-radicals can lead to atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, an increase in asthma attacks and an increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Free-radicals have also been shown to accentuate the problems associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Pineapple is also an excellent source of manganese, a mineral essential in some of the enzymes necessary in the body for energy production. It also has very good amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1) which is also important in these energy producing enzymes. Pineapple has been shown to be important in maintaining good eye health, helping to protect against age-related eye problems. There are many benefits for eating pineapple. Pineapple is full of vitamins and nutrients. All fruits are full of nutrients. However, pineapple has more benefits than just being packed with vitamins and nutrients. Pineapple benefits also include strengthening weak bones, and very good for gums. Your gums are very important to keep healthy. The gums hold the teeth in place and your teeth would be in bad condition if you have unhealthy gums. By eating pineapple, you are strengthening your gums to make it through the hard years later. Eating pineapple prevents from many diseases. One such is Macular Degeneration. This is when your bones determinate through the disease. It causes death. However, eating pineapple degreases your chances by 36%. You can feel safe from this horrible disease. Those who have arthritis pain, eating pineapples can reduce the pain of arthritis and for those who do not have arthritis; pineapple prevents the disease by strengthening your bones and giving extra iron to your bones. When you eat pineapples, you have a better chance at having a healthier life. Plum Plums are engorged with vitamins. It has vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C. The fruit also has niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Plums also have pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. Plums prove to be good laxatives and are good for the digestive system. The vitamin C and phenols in the fruit has antioxidant qualities, which look after the eyes and prevent macular degeneration; boosts immunity; improves cardiac health; and, protects against cancer. Plums are rich in antioxidants, which provide protection from the superoxide anion radical. These antioxidants also prevent damage to our neurons and the fats that are part of our cell membranes. Plums also lead to better absorption of iron. The vitamin c in plums is good for the body tissue and for the immune system. It can prevent flu and colds and can even prevent the cholesterol from getting oxidized. Since the vitamin C in plums can neutralize the free radicals, it prevents diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, colon cancer and asthma. Packed with dietary fiber, plums are good for the digestive system. Plums are rich in minerals like phosphorus, copper, manganese, magnesium and potassium. Spinach An important leafy green vegetable, spinach contains more than 12 different flavonoids compounds that are useful against specific malignant tumors and function as antioxidants. Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. It provides an excellent source of vitamins C and K, carotenes, and folic acid. It also offers a very good source of manganese, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B2. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B1, B6, and E. The iron content in spinach is twice that of other greens. Spinach is also one of the most alkaline foods. This makes it useful in helping to regulate the body’s pH balance. Spinach also contains one of the richest dietary sources of lutein. Therefore, it is effective in promoting healthy eye sight and preventing macular degeneration and cataracts. Spinach, like other chlorophyll and carotene containing vegetables, contains anticancer properties. Studies have identified at least thirteen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anticancer agents. Strawberries Strawberries are not only wonderful in texture and color but are also abundant in antioxidants and a specific kind of nutrient known as phenols. These potent antioxidants are helpful in protecting against the cellular damage in the body. The bright red color of strawberries is due to their high concentration of antioxidants. Their high antioxidant compacity make them an ideal food for fighting cancer. The nutrients in strawberries nourish brain cells increasing brain health and function. It has also anti-aging properties. The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals of strawberries combine to form a powerful disease fighting mixture. Tomatoes Some benefits of tomatoes include prostate cancer prevention, LDL cholesterol reduction, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic. Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, an important protein skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping to prevent cell damage by free radicals. Tomatoes also contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Studies have shown that men consuming 10 servings of tomatoes a week cut the risk of prostate cancer by 45%. Lycopene also lower the risk of colorectal cancer and stomach cancer, and inhibits the growth of other types of cancer cells. Lycopene may also help older folks remain active. Coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid are also found in tomatoes. These two compounds are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines, which are formed naturally in the body, but are also a strong carcinogen in tobacco smoke. Tomatoes may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Niacin has been used for years to lower cholesterol. Potassium has been shown to lower high blood pressure. And vitamin B6 and folate are used by the body to convert a dangerous chemical called homocysteine into more benign compounds. Vitamin K, found in tomatoes helps to maintain healthy bones. Vitamin K1 activates a protein in the bones called osteocalcin, which anchors calcium inside the bone. Without enough vitamin K, bone mineralization is impaired. Watermelon Some of the benefits of watermelon include energy production, protects against macular degeneration, fights heart disease as it is loaded with antioxidants, reduces the risk of cancer, prevents erectile dysfunction and is a good source of vitamins and minerals.