Super Fruits

Picking Prickly Pear: How Nopalea Juice Can Keep You Healthy

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Parched men who are trapped in a burning dessert extract cactus juice for refreshment and survival. The same holds true for those who are running low on nutrients and vitamins…except that it’s the fruits of the cactus they get the juice from.

Nopal cactus coined to as prickly pear is known to be the source of powerful superfood. Its fruits have long been consumed as food and alternative medicine. Though it can practically anywhere in the world, it thrives mostly inMexico.

This particular cactus is characterized by succulent oval pads and dark-coloured, pear-shaped fruits, and vibrant flowers. The pads, dubbed as “nopalitas” are stripped off of their pines to be used for culinary purposes. High-end restaurants serve the cactus raw (for salads), grilled, sautéed and pickled.

Nopalitas are known to be a good source of iron, B vitamins, iron, vitamin C, and calcium. But it’s the fruits that make it famous among health-conscious individuals as they carry a reputation as a potent superfood.

Prickly Pear is Not Exactly Thorny

 The fruit of the Nopal cactus was traditionally used by locals to treat numerous diseases and get relief from health conditions. Recent studies revealed that the prickly pear has properties that can enhance the function of immune and nervous system. Experts also unveiled its notable level of bioflavonoids that can give protection against free radicals and inflammation.

Prickly pears come with impressive health benefits – so impressive that the fruit was named as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. When the sunset-hued juice is consumed on a regular basis, you can gain a wide breath of health benefits.

Alleviating Chronic Pain

Nopalea juice is by far the most effective natural pain reliever for chronic pain. Patients with rheumatism and other illnesses that constantly endure unbearable pain as a symptom, are recommended to drink the juice daily.

Prickly pear has been observed to treat pain on specific areas of the body, and target the part of your brain that is susceptible to pain. Unlike pills and other drugs, Napolea juice does not “kill” the nerves that make you feel aches. Instead, it reduces inflammation and soreness on certain areas to prevent you from feeling groggy.

Protection from Inflammation

Scientists believe that chronic inflammation is one of the causes of many deadly illnesses and diseases such as cancer. As such, the prickly pear cactus juice gained high approval from doctors because of its anti-inflammation properties. Napolean juice halts inflammation before it becomes worst and lead to more serious conditions.

Flushing Out Toxins

 Extracts from the fruits of Nopal cactus are proven to have high levels of fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion. Drinking the juice can therefore flush out toxins and other harmful substances lurking in your colons. On the same token, the super drink can regulate bowel movements.

The cactus juice can also purge toxins that you may have ingested, breathed and drank unknowingly. Thanks to the powerful antioxidant, Betalain, you can flush out harmful radicals and molecules that may cause cellular damages, respiratory problems, and renal issues.

Notable Noni: More Reason to Give the Juice a Try

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Tahitian Noni is not exactly an attractive fruit. Recent studies on its various health benefits, nonetheless, helped it earn its well-deserved respect.

Noni is not a common fruit. It is found mostly in tropical countries inAsia. Unlike other superfoods, the health benefits of Noni were covert until they were discovered twenty years ago. Prior to its dubbing as superfood, it was first considered as a bioactive medicinal fruit. Tahician Noni juice has been used as a natural treatment to many diseases in various Islands of the Southern Pacific ocean.

Recent accounts show the powerful affects of Noni juice in overall wellness and soundness of the body. Nutritionists observed that components of the extract can mimic the natural mechanism of the body to eliminate “black spots” composed of dead cells.

So far, Tahitian Noni Juice is recognized as one of the most powerful protection and cure of cancer.

Lung and Esophageal Cancer Prevention

 In 2009, the University ofIllinois,Chicagoshowed that Tahitian Noni juice hampers the formation of cancer cells in different organs, especially in the lungs. In fact, even heavy smokers can get rid of risks of lung cancer. Researchers observed that the juice trageted DNA markers where cancer formation may begin.

On the same token, there have also been evidences that noni juice can prevent cancer on the esophagus. A separate study ofOhioStateUniversityin 2010 demonstrated how daily intake of noni juice had hindered the existence of cancer cells in the esophagus of animals tested.

Shield Against Other Forms of Cancer

 After the wonders of noni juice on cancer prevention dominated the medical field, experts from theMahidolUniversityin bangkok,Thailandwere motivated to test the effectiveness of the fruit extract in fighting deadly forms of cancer. It was then that they discovered noni juice’s ability to prevent cancer of the:

–         cervix

–         breast

–         liver

–         skin

All About the Cells


 Among the many notable things about Tahitian Noni Juice is its ability to help the cells regenerate. This can be accounted to a vital molecular compound called proxeronine.

This can be a building block of xeronine, which is another chemical that’s essential in promoting healthy growth of cells. Amidst a society bordered with pollutants and poor water supply, consuming Noni Juice is the only method left to acquire xeronine and avoid life-threatening diseases.

Safest Pain Killers

Drinking Tahitian Noni juice can instantly alleviate pains from injuries, rheumatism, inflammation, and cramps. From various experiments, scientists noticed that pain relief areas “light up” after few minutes of drinking the juice, thereby providing a break from excruciating pain without side effects.

Weight Loss

Fans of Noni Juice claim to have shaved extra pounds and maintained their slim physique without breaking a sweat. This is because of noni’s ability to reduce cholesterol levels from high-fat diet. The juice prevents the build up of fat cells in different parts of the body while reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Suffice to say, the noni fruit (and its extract) is impressive despite its unappealing look. It only gives you one reason to never judge a superfood base on its cover.

Golden Glory: Inca Berries as Superfood

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They’re gold, succulent, nutritious and super. Not many people know about them, but they are super. Inca berries can bring a full range of health benefits that can make the body just as golden.

Inca berries are also coined as cape gooseberry and physalis is abundant in high altitude tropical regions in South America. These exotic are small and round with glossy orange-yellow skin. The berries are surrounded by thin, paper-like leaves.

After the fruits are harvested and dried, they turn into an orange-bronze hue. They practically look like golden raisins. But their taste is far more tantalizing. Raw Inca berries are juicy and sweet, with a bit of tangy after taste. When they are dried, the sweetness is a bit more subtle.

These fruits are so tasty that they are often described as flavor-packed morsels. Chocolate-covered Inca berries are the subject of fondness among foodies with sweet tooth. Laid-back healthy savvy, alternatively enjoy them dried for snacks. Others would prefer the berries sweet and eaten with other varieties of fruits in a salad bowl.

No matter what style, Inca berries endow their patrons with perks that can keep diseases at bay.

Energy Throughout the Day

 Inca berries are superfoods. If you get the impression that eating the fruits can give you super powers, then you are not necessarily wrong. Many individuals claim that they are instantly filled with energy after snacking on the berries – both dried and raw.

Several studies conducted also show that Inca berries can improve brain functions while increasing the amount of oxygen distributed in the body. The high levels of vitamin B12 contained in each berry can be accounted for the strong support for cellular metabolism. This means that cells are more able to synthesize substances and turn them into energy.

Healthy Digestion

Remember that among the many reasons why Inca berries are super is their multifold of dietary fibers not present in other kinds of fruits. In fact, they have twice the amount of fibers than dates, prunes, apricots and blueberries.

Regularly eating the berries can then prevent indigestion and other illnesses down in the gut. They can improve bowel movements and flush out toxins that have accumulated in the colon. Because of this property, Inca berry are also seen as potential cure for digestion problems while serving as a shield against colon cancer.

The pectin of the berries are also taken for lowering LDL cholesterol levels and chelating heavy metals.

Natural Medicine for Illnesses

Over the centuries, the Inca berries are used by orthodox doctors in treating serious health conditions like cancer, leukemia, and hepatitis. These are among the deadliest illnesses in the world. Who knew a tiny golden berry is all it takes to cure them?

On top of these, Inca berries are also used to treat malaria, asthma, dermatitis and rheumatism. Up to date, they retained their identity as natural medicine.

At the same time, the berries are taken as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-heptoxic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-histamine. Thanks, mostly, to the richness of the fruits in bioflavonoids and Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6 and B12.

Perks from the Purple: Gaining from Acai Berries

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Oprah Winfrey was one of the people responsible for the acai berry hype. Her high recommendations for the fruits made a buzz in the media, and convinced healthy savvy viewers to go give the berries a try.

But other than fanatic drive, both health and weight-conscious individuals are paying the berries close attention because of their proven health benefits.

Acknowledging Acai

If you ever strolled in stores with organic foods and supplements, you may have come across the acai berries touted as one of the most remarkable imported fruit and superfood of the era. Chances are, you are one of the buyers who see the tales to be too good to be true. As such, it is best to get as much information about the acai berry before allowing them to claim a corner in your diet.

Brazilian Acai berries are known to be packed with essential nutrients — potassium, phyonutrients, iron, and phosphorous calcium — and antioxidants. In fact, it contains twice as much oxidants than other berries, and 10 times more than red grapes. Studies conducted by the Amherst College also revealed that the fruits contain an amount of anthosyanins that’s thirty times more than red wine’s.

Along with the antioxidants, acai berries are also discovered to bear notable levels of omega fats 3, 6 and 9, proteins, amino acids, dietary fibers, xanthones, and anthocyanins. This myriad of substances paves the way for several health benefits of the acai berries.

Health Gains from Acai

1. Anti-Aging

The antioxidants of the fruits can neutralize the production of free radicals that can wear out cells and lead to premature aging. At the same time, the berries can combat the causes of heart diseases and cancer — thanks, mostly, to the anthocyanins they contain.

2. Weight loss

Acai berries are good sources of fiber, thus enhancing the digestive health. Nutritionists also recognize the fruits as safe and proven appetite suppressors that help individuals take control over the food they eat. This is the reason why acai berries are now one of the highly demanded ingredients for formulas and weight loss supplements.

3. Low Cholesterol

Regularly eating the berries have been observed to significantly lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. It also contributes to a quicker metabolism and burning of fats. Note that the fruits are brimming with plant sterols that are needed for the protection of cardiovascular muscles and membranes of the cells. This substance is known to prevent clots while relaxing the blood vessels.

4. Healthy Skin

Most of the newly-released cosmetic and beauty products contain acai oil. Aside from being a natural antioxidant, this ingredient is also names as the best alternative to chemical-based oils that can harm the skin from prolonged use. When the berries are eaten, they can also give the skin a healthy glow. Look at the bronze skins of Brazilians and ask no more.

5. High Levels of Energy

Sportsmen and athletes can benefit from the energy-boosting properties of the acai berries. Eating a handful of these purples can also strengthen the stamina and battle out exhaustion.

Body Boost by Berries

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There are no shortcuts to good health. Fortunately, there are superfoods that can be eaten to maintain the soundness of the body. Mayo Clinic suggests that foods that have a superior impact to one’s health can be considered “super.” Aside from vitamins and minerals, they tout phytonutrients and antioxidants that can also strengthen the immune system.

Basically, superfoods have minimal amount of calorie and dense concentration of nutrients — two of the traits found on Goji berries.

Red is the Color of Health

Goji berries are elongated round fruits that thrive in Asian and European countries. Ancient Chinese doctors are known to get the extract of the berries to be used for traditional medicines. And with its proven effectiveness, modern health savvy individuals are also rooting for the wonders of Goji berries.

The berries, also known as Wolfberry / desert thorn / matrimony vine are naturally dried under the sun and eaten like raisins. They recently resounded in the findings of many nutritionists with the wide expanse of individuals attesting to the fantastic benefits that the berries bring. Further laboratory exams conducted by experts further confirmed the high level of nutrients contained in the deep red berries.

Why Should You Snack on Goji Berries?

There’s a myriad of health benefits associated with the berries. Nonetheless, it is imperative to note that Goji berries do not have therapeutic effects. Rather than curing diseases, it works by strengthening the body’s defenses against them.

The fruits can endow the body with complete nourishment through high levels of amino acids, polysaccharides, Human Growth Hormone, vitamins and minerals. These substances from the berries work together to bring forth the following benefits:

  • The richness in antioxidants of the berries give them their ability to maintain the soundness of the retina and improve eye sight. Goji berries are chockfull of cartenoids and zeaxanthin — proven to be effective in preventing cataracts and other contributors to eyesight loss of people over 65 years old.
  • Eating the berries can enhance the filtering of toxic inside the body, thereby protecting the liver and the kidney along with other vital organs.
  • Goji berries have immune system-boosting properties that keep individuals disease-free for longer periods.
  • Antioxidant contents help in the eradication of free radicals that contribute to aging. The polysaccharides in the berries also stimulate the function of the pituitary gland, This results to a sharper release of Human Growth Hormones needed to hamper the effects of aging.
  • Healthier cells can be enjoyed because of the berries’ high ORAC value, which shields the body from oxidation.
  • The berries maintain high levels of energy thus preventing fatigue. They can also prevent the occurrence of other symptoms associated with tiredness such as migraines and nausea.
  • Weight-conscious individuals can munch on the berries to lose weight faster.
  • Goji berries also enhance sexual performance and fertility.

On top of these notable advantages, including the berries in the diet are also highly recommended as the fruits can lower cholesterol and blood pressure while improving blood circulation.

These superfoods may be small, but they are not terrible.