Power Fruit Therapy – The Famous Five

Okay – not the best of titles, I know.  But how do you like the idea of grabbing a few fruits from your local supermarket to:

• Help reduce your risk for cancer
• Lower your cholesterol
• Get rid of body fat

…..all that, just to begin with! I am not even started on better complexion, antioxidants to strengthen your immune system, a healthier digestive system and all that.

I thought it is about time we gave these famous five fruits credit, not just because they deserve it, but also because they’re so readily available. No chasing after exotic fruit traveling miles and miles to that one store and ending up spending ten times more than the cost of the fruit on getting there and back. Hey, am not saying exotic fruit must be ignored – if they’re available next door, go for them by all means.  But first, give the following fellas a chance, first.

A-okay. Here we go.

A for Apples

We get them in a variety, and besides keeping the doctor away, particularly the cardiologist, (unless you’re dating him/her) these beauties can balance your cholesterol levels. These days, problems like cholesterol, fat and sugar imbalances are not the copyright of a few. So – grab that apple on the go as a snack. It is sitting there, packed and ready and waiting for you.  This fruit does double duty – it reduces bad (LDL) cholesterol and increases good (HDL) cholesterol. The pectin in the apple, which is a type of fiber and the antioxidants benefit the heart, promoting its health. Apples also protect you from asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Translated, that means you enjoy breathing without hitch.

Awesome Oranges

Oranges contain a type of antioxidant called flavonoids that protect us from metabolic syndrome. This includes coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It prevents the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) which causes heart attacks. You can also eat the peel, if you like, and improve your resistance to cancer. Me, I love marmalade.

Super Strawberries

Strawberries are big cancer fighters. I used to think this is an exotic fruit and not easily available. I don’t think I saw a lot of them in Hyderabad where I lived earlier, except in some of the posh stores where one bought designer fruit baskets. But in Bangalore, they’re available at almost all supermarkets in little boxes. So slice some into your breakfast cereal, shake some up into a smoothie or just enjoy them as a fruit. What’s in it for you? Strawberry helps prevent esophageal cancer and also contributes to heart health, decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Dried plums

Or prunes. They keep your bones strong. Especially good for menopausal women who experience bone loss thanks to the dip in estrogen levels.  Dried plums are best for digestion – they get your stuff moving so you can do your morning thing with ease. They also lower blood pressure as they’re rich in potassium. Fiber rich, dried plums make a good heart healthy snack. Take care not to eat too much. Then you’ll have to take the day off from whatever you’re doing to stay close to the loo.

Gorgeous Grapes

Rich in polyphenol, grapes are smart fruits that reduce inflammation in the body. Many health problems are caused by inflammation, especially type 2 diabetes, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and so on. Grapes relieve the body cells from stress and block those compounds that cause inflammation. Grapes also help heart health while preventing cancer of the lung, breast and others.

Okay – that’s hip, hip hurray for the famous five.

Don’t let this stop you from buying the other staples like the guava, chickoos, and mangoes or just go bananas and just about anything else you fancy. Thing is, we tend to take a lot of easily available things for granted. Eating healthy does not take a lot of effort. When it comes to fruits, you’ve got a readymade snack or meal that requires no preparation. Go for it!

So, let me ask you this: what is/are your favorite fruit(s) and why?

I wish you all a safe, happy and joyous Diwali.

Don’t forget to eat, drink and be merry. For tomorrow, we shall diet.

And stay healthy!

Is there a particular topic you would like to read about? Please mail me at vidzworld [AT] gmail [DOT] com

Vidya Sury earns her pomegranates, bananas, apples and pears as a Freelance Writer and Professional Blogger. She’s mom to a teenager who actually does not fuss to eat fruits.  

When she’s not working, drinking coffee, listening to music, reading or spring cleaning, she blogs at Going A-Musing,  Coffee With Mi!  and Your Medical Guide