The benefits of Superfruits

Learn more about the research finding on these 5 Superfruits that have sparked a worldwide following, bolstered by claims promoting benefits such as anti-ageing, detoxification, energy enhancement and immunity boosts.

What’s in a Superfruit?


Antioxidants & free radicals
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals, cell-damaging chemicals that are produced during normal human functions such as digestion and breathing. Experts believe the damage from free radicals is a factor in the development of conditions such as cancer and blood vessel disease.

Phytochemicals
The term “phyto” is a Greek word meaning plant. phytochemicals are chemical compounds derived from plants or fruits. The most recognizable phytochemicals are carotenoids - red, orange and yellow pigments found in fruits and vegetables such as carrots. Scientists have found evidence that phytochemicals may reduce the risk of cancer. Eating many colorful fruits and vegetable in your diet can supply different phytochemicals to benefit your health.


Xanthones
Found in plant food, xanthenes are chemical compounds that contain antioxidants. They are said to help maintain intestinal health, prevent inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

1 Pomegranate
What it is: Has around 500 seeds that can range from white to deep red
Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean Middle East
Supposed benefits: Some studies suggest that the juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidants in green tea and red wine.


2 Kiwi
What it is: Flesh can be bright green and golden
Where it grows: Can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer heat
Supposed benefits: A single kiwi is said to supply more than the normal daily adult requirement of vitamin C



3 Mangosteen
What it is: Has sweet-sour white flesh
Where it grows: Primarily in countries with a hot, humid climate such as Malaysia, Thailand & Indonesia
Supposed benefits: Its rind contains xanthones which are said to neutralise free radicals.



4 Avocado
What it is: Egg shaped, green-brown on the outside and green-yellow on the inside
Where it grows: Central and South America
Supposed benefits: It contain healthy monounsaturated fat, which as been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.


5 Blueberry
What it is: Indigo berry, 5 to 16mm in diameter
Where it grows: North & South America, Australia & New Zealand
Supposed benefits: It is said to be an anti-ageing superstar that is loaded with antioxidants to improve

Health Benefits of Honey

We are all familiar with honey as a valuable substitute for refined sugar or chemical additives which have been shown to be neurotoxins. We often are unaware of using the incredible nutritional value of honey for a variety of health benefits beyond honey’s being a natural sweetener.

Honey is produced as food by the honeybees to sustain them during the winter months. The bees take nectar from flowers, take it to the hive, and, by concentrating it, make honey. It is stored within the hive on structures called combs. The flavour, aroma and colour of honey differ depending on the flowers from which the bee removed the nectar. Climate, humidity and altitude also have an affect on the characteristics of honey. Clear honey has a weak flavour and aroma. Dark honey is rich in proteins and minerals.

Honey is a natural glucose and fructose sugar that is readily recognized and used for energy by our bodies. Honey contains mineral such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. Honey also contains small amounts of copper, iodine and zinc. Honey contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B5 and B3.

Honey diluted with water has been used to treat sore throats and coughs, inflammations, some eye diseases, athlete's foot and fungal diseases, upset stomachs, constipation and diarrhea, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as salmonella, and H. pylori, which cause stomach ulcers.

Honey is used extensively in the cosmetics industry in moisturizers, lotions, facial creams and bath and shower products. It is an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive-skin and baby products. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it both attracts and retains moisture. Many hair care products include honey in their basic ingredients.

Honey is very good for your skin due to its properties. You can use honey for face mask as it treats your skin very well. It nourishes your skin by the essential properties present in it. It is very good to remove wrinkles from face and works as an anti-aging remedy. Honey is able to maintain moisture which helps your skin remain soft and supple. The hydration quality of the honey proves to maintain the skins elasticity, smoothness and softness. The presence of antioxidants in honey protects you from UV rays.

The next time we use honey, we can experience and extra satisfaction beyond taste, knowing the miraculous and amazing health benefits we are receiving. We need to find ways to protect our bee population and feel deep gratitude for the many gifts of health and nutrition they have provided us.