“This much I know. If you are what you eat, then I only wanna eat the good stuff.” – Ratatouille.
No one wants to consider something as basic, and important, as food as a trend but here we are in the age of healthy living and super-fruits/foods. You haven’t heard of super-fruits? They are simply foods that have attained the ‘super’ title because they are rich in numerous nutrients which can help you look and feel better while preventing some diseases. Stocking your refrigerator with nourishing foods is the first step to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and these super-fruits which can be found in Nigeria are must-haves.
Strawberries
Growing up, I used to consider Strawberries as exotic fruits as I did not know that they could be grown or found in Nigeria but look at life! This super-fruit that is high in antioxidants like vitamin C, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids are grown in places like Plateau State and are readily available in markets and superstores. Some researchers suggest that eating strawberries may contribute to the reduction of the risk of heart disease, lower inflammatory markers while increasing fibre intake. Whether you eat them fresh or frozen, these benefits of eating Strawberries can protect you against chronic health conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. An easy way to incorporate strawberries into your daily diet is by adding them to your next acai bowl or snacking on them pre-workout to energize and maintain stamina.
Grapes
Don’t be fooled by their small sizes because Grapes have been proven to pack a serious nutritional punch. And although many varieties which all make a healthy choice exists, some varieties are higher in antioxidants and free-radical-scavenging powers than others. The varieties of Grapes that are readily available in Nigeria are the Seedless Green and Seedless Red Grapes which are packed with antioxidants like caffeic acid, epicatechin, catechin gallate, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and rutin which can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Grapes can easily be frozen and enjoyed as mid-day snacks at work or at a picnic.
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Avocadoes
If you did not know the benefit of Avocadoes and their super-fruit status before today, you are hereby forgiven. This specie of the Pear family is packed with nutrients such as fibre, healthy fats, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins C and K1. Consumption of Avocadoes can aid the reduction of weight, blood sugar levels, and heart disease risk factors like LDL (bad) cholesterol. Avocadoes can make a wide range of foods taste better but I find myself easily incorporating Avocadoes in my salads or bread toasts, adding them in juice form for a creamy smoothie.
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Tomatoes
Talking about salads, Tomatoes are a fresh and ever-present ingredient in my salad bowls and recipes. This super-fruit which is sometimes considered a vegetable is rich in an antioxidant called Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that is associated with powerful heart benefits, and which is rarely found in other super-fruits. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre while being super-low in calories. This makes them a beauty to indulge in, from the peels to the pulp, especially if your health goals includes weight-loss.
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Kiwis
Every part of the Kiwi fruit is packed with high levels of fibre and pre-biotic complex carbohydrates which reduces the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS). The green flesh of this super-fruit is sweet, tangy and full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. Although many people prefer to peel the Kiwi before eating it, both the small black seeds and fuzzy brown peel are edible and nutritious.
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Figs
I haven’t eaten Figs before but I can’t wait to try them as they are fibre-rich fruits that pack other nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, polyphenol antioxidants and vitamins B6 and K1. This super-fruit has been shown to be a more concentrated source of these beneficial compounds than red wine or tea. I look forward to indulging in Figs in the nearest future.
It is worthy to highlight that although all fruits are nutritious, the high levels of nutrients and plant compounds makes some stand out above the others. If you have a health goal that includes improving your diet and enjoying the health benefits of fruits, you can consider trying out some of the foods above. Next time you visit the market, superstore or go online for grocery shopping, remember to include some or all of these fruits in your shopping basket.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not to be a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation as I am not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical or nutritional advice or services. You understand and agree that I will not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
