HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Empower Your Diet: 5 Super Healthy Super Fruits to Try Now
Article by Meijer Corporation/ BPT
Your Heart Health
(BPT) - Nutritionists these days are urging people to eat more "super fruits," the healthy and delicious fruit varieties believed to provide your body extra doses of important nutrients. While so-called super fruits aren't necessarily supercharged with more vitamins and minerals than other fruits, they definitely pack a powerful nutritional punch. You can find a wide spectrum of super fruits to choose from in your Meijer produce department. Here's a rundown of some fun and tasty options you may want to add to your diet.
* Acai berries: Pronounced ah-sigh-EE, these low-sugar grape-like fruits remind some people of chocolate. Research suggests eating them can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, lower cholesterol levels, help heal exercise-induced muscle injuries and reduce blood sugar in overweight people. They're especially high in the antioxidant anthocyanin that's linked to brain health and cognitive function; they're rich in iron, calcium, fiber and vitamin A and they contain fatty acids that further skin elasticity and moisture retention. Drink
acai juice or add the berries to smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, fruit bowls or homemade granola bars.
* [endif]-->Blueberries: Studies show these juicy nuggets of antioxidant goodness can boost heart, bone and skin health; aid in blood pressure, diabetes management and cancer prevention and increase energy. One cup alone offers 24 percent of your daily allowance of vitamin C, and the sweet little treats are also high in iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K. Enjoy them straight from the carton or add them to waffles, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, muffins or sweet breads.
* Pomegranates: Split open the tough red rind of these amazing antioxidant fruits (looking for a rind that's heavy and firm) and scoop out the delectable seeds that can range from slightly to very sour. Savor them straight from the fruit, freeze them for later or add them to juices, salads, yogurt, oatmeal or desserts. Consumption can help prevent or treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol,