Superfoods are aplenty around us and often contain functional benefits that aid overall body health, boost the immune system and enhance youthfulness. As we become more health conscious, the demand for superfood has increased. Fruits for example, contain an abundance of nutrients that are a great boost to health and most importantly, for food aficionados who crave both taste and wholesome goodness in one superfruit. Fresh is always best but the need for convenience, have also meant that they are also available in powdered form or in other processed forms. Here are the fruiti-licious facts.
We call these superfruits because of the high dosage of nutrients that are essential for our immunity and health functions. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, superfruits are a great and easy approach to ensure great health by using food (superfruits here!) as a dietary supplement to absorb nutrition, prevent sickness and achieve optimum health.
Mango
Mangoes are not just loved for their aromatic and sweet flesh but are actually rich in polyphenols which may promote metabolism, fight inflammation, diabetes, hypertension and even deters cancer growth.
Orange
Did you know that other than giving a boost of Vitamin C, an orange daily may keep macular degeneration away? A 15-year study by the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Australia which covered over 2,000 Australian adults above 50 years old noted that those who consumed oranges daily benefited with a 60% reduced risk of macular degeneration. This comes from the flavonoids found in oranges. In fact, orange’s hesperidin, is hardly found in other fruits, and is a powerful antioxidant and antimutagenic that protect DNA cells, strengthens capillaries, are inflammatory and antimicrobial, prevents heart attacks and other ailments. A health study by Framingham Nurses uncovered that drinking orange juice daily even reduces stroke risk by 25 percent!
Pomegranate
Another top antioxidant mega fruit are pomegranates. Each fruit contains around 600 seeds, and provide triple the amount of antioxidants found in red wine or green tea.
Goji Berries
Tiny and yet oozing with healthful goodness, goji berries originate from the Himalayas, China and Mongolia. They are an age-old herbalist secret used in many concoctions to improve blood circulation, boost immune function, improve fertility and sexual function, protect the liver and enhance eyesight. They are now easily available in most organic stores, Chinese herbal shops and even some supermarkets.
Kiwi
Sometimes green, sometimes brown, these furry fruits are often touted for their high Vitamin C that’s said to be 7 times more than oranges. Kiwi fruits even contain as much potassium as bananas and is one of the highest sources of beta-carotene.
Acai Berry
Common in the Brazilian-Amazon region, acai berries are one of the most famous superfruits. It contains super antioxidants, healthy fats, dietary fibre and essential amino acids. For best benefits, these should come as unsweetened acai powder, organically-certified juices or pulp.
Papaya or paw-paw
Easily available in Asia and tropical climates, papaya is one of the most affordable superfruits. It is renowned for its sweet texture and soft flesh. Regular consumption of papaya protects against retinal regeneration, aids digestion and prevents cancer by reducing free radical conversion.
Mangos teen
Native to Southeast Asia, this sweet, tangy, juicy fruit may have anti-microbial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mangosteen is best taken as a fresh fruit or in juice form.
Baobab
A recent entrant to the superfruits list these couple of years, the baobab hails from Africa. Its nutrients are encased inside a hard shell, which contains abundant Vitamin C, calcium, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and fibre. It is often found as an ingredient in health bars, supplements or smoothies – rather than as a fresh fruit.
Avocado
Last but not least on Superfood Asia’s pick is avocado which is bursting with fatty acids and high amounts of Vitamin A. These anti-aging fruits are excellent for skin health, promoting cell repair and hydrating skin.
Other superfruits high on our radar include pineapples, grapes, dragon fruit, lemons, apples, strawberries…the list just goes on and on!
Meanwhile as you consume healthy amounts of these superfruits, don’t forget to supplement your diet with a healthy mix of vegetables, seeds and other kinds of superfood and all other types of fruits too.
Make eating fruits fun…other than just cutting them into pieces – you can slice them, dice them, cube them, juice or mix into smoothies or as yoghurt bowl topping, top over your favourite cake, add onto a salad. The possibilities are endless.
Look out for amazing opportunities and contacts at SuperFood Asia 2019. The world’s top F&B suppliers and buyers will descend onto Singapore for this showcase event. It is the perfect occasion to network and connect with the F&B industry game changers. Fast forward your business here!