Super Fruits

All fruits and veggies are healthy, choosing an apple over a candy bar is the best choice every time. Don't know which fruits to try? Go for the ones with the most nutrients: Blueberries, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries, and papayas.

Blueberries: Loaded with antioxidants(cancer fighter) and vitamin C.

Oranges: Good for your skin, loaded with Vitamin C, and a calming scent.

Bananas: High in potassium, bananas help lower your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Bonus: Protease inhibitors that can prevent stomach ulcers. (It is said that Banana's can be used to help a hangover).

Apples: Vitamin C, and fiber in the skin.

Kiwis: Vitamin C, they may lower the risk of cataracts and could even protect DNA from damage.

Red and Purple grapes: Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that could help fight heart disease.

Strawberries: Excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Papayas: Papain, a substance that helps improve your digestion. Papayas also provide a lot of vitamin C and are a good source of folate.

source: 5/31/10 http://www.lhj.com/ Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, May 2009

Coming Next: Super Veggies

Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) have multiple health benefits. One most commonly known is for the prevention or cure of urinary tract infections. But it doesn't stop there.

The tart flavor of cranberries is also used in stimulating taste buds in people with a loss of appetite.

Research has also shown that cranberries may also prevent plaque from developing on teeth and gum disease.

Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and may thus help prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Cranberry may also inhibit the growth of urinary tract bacteria that have been implicated in the cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

Recent studies show that cranberry juice may help it weight loss, and reduce bloating, because it is a diuretic.

The Juice:

Buy 100% cranberry juice to reap the full benefit. It is very strong, so you can dilute it; half water, half juice.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (It's not just for Thanksgiving)

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh cranberries

3/4 cup apple juice

2 ripe pears

1 cup raisins (optional)

1 teaspoon stevia (all natural sweetener)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium size saucepan, bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chill sauce completely before serving.

Source: "Solve it with Supplements" Robert A. Schulman, MD 2007