Published:
12/07/2012 03:16am
Do Super Fruits Really Have Super Powers?
Eating plenty of fruit has always been an easy and delicious way to remain in good health but with an increase in the number of exotic super fruits becoming commercially available, it seems that the traditional apple and banana no longer excites the vast majority of Western consumers.
The term ‘super fruit’ was first used in 2005 and refers to any fruit with a significantly high nutritional value, rich anti-oxidant and vitamin content, stimulating health benefits and mouth-watering flavour.
As well as offering a wide range of diverse and exciting taste experiences, many super fruits are also used in food supplements for their potential health benefits, such as the promotion of fast and effective weight loss.
Below is a list of the most popular fruits that have attained this ‘super’ status:
Acai Berry
Acai deserves all of the hype that it gets. Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, the deep purple fruit is often referred to as the ‘super berry’ since it has one of the highest nutritional values in the world. In Brazil, it has always been used as part of everyday life but it has recently rose to international fame as a result of its incredibly high vitamin and anti-oxidant content. The berry has also become world famous for its thermogenic weight loss properties and is now one of the most common extracts used in diet pills and fat-burners.
Acai berry is a rich source of amino acids, iron, fibre, potassium, calcium and Vitamins A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), C and E. It also contains anthocyanins, which are responsible for its rich purple colour, and flavonoids, which help to protect vital cells from free radicals and flush potentially harmful toxins from the body. Regular consumption of these valuable nutrients is a great way to improve your diet and maintain a healthy mind, body and soul.
African Mango (Irvingia Gabonensis)
African mango is a supplement native to West Africa that is high in protein, fibre and healthy fats. According to a recent study in Cameroon, African mango has the ability to reduce body fat, lower cholesterol levels and increase metabolic rate. By increasing the production of the hormone Adiponectin, it helps the body burn unwanted fat by optimising glucose levels and improving circulation. The fruit has also been found to act as a powerful appetite suppressant by influencing the way in which your brain responds to hunger signals.
Blueberry
While not as exotic as some of the other names on the list, the blueberry was one of the very first recipients of the ‘super fruits’ title and its vast health benefits have been backed up by a huge amount of scientific research. Research has shown that the regular consumption of blueberries can help to reduce various diseases, alleviate cognitive decline, lower the risk of heart disease and reduce some of the physical effects of aging.
Blueberries are most notable for their tremendous anti-oxidant properties, but they are also rich in the essential minerals Manganese and Selenium as well as Vitamins B6 (Pyridoxine), C and K. In addition, they have a very low Glycemic Index, which makes them an excellent snack for people who need to keep an eye on their blood sugar levels
Goji Berry
The bright red goji berry is part of the nightshade family of plants and is native to Mongolia, Tibet and the Himalayan region of China. The berries have been used by Asian herbalists for thousands of years for their nutritional and healing value, helping to improve strength, immunity, fertility, eyesight, circulation and liver function as well as to promote longevity of life. As well as providing a rich source of anti-oxidants, in particular Beta-Carotene and Zeaxanthin, the goji berry contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids that all contribute to overall good health.
Pomegranate
Often referred to as ‘Nature’s elixir of youth’, the pomegranate hails from the Middle East and has been cultivated since time immemorial, being referenced
