PERSONS may not be aware of this fact, but simple fruits that can be found in the market, or even in their own backyards, have numerous benefits that can boost their health.Diabetes and Nutrition Educator at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Ms. Djamilsa Lambert, has information on a number of fruits that the public can incorporate into their diet.
She has told us of the following:
PSIDIUM
Psidium, a native fruit of the Amazon region, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It strengthens the immune system and helps to fight off colds and flues. It naturally lowers blood pressure, and helps to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Psidium can be consumed naturally, or used in the preparation of beverages and jams.

CHERRY
Cherries are very low in calories. For instance, 100g of fresh cherries contain only 32 calories. This fruit has several health-benefiting components, such as vitamins, and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely toward optimum health and wellness.

The cherry possesses the highest content of vitamin C, more than any other plant-derived fruit or berry. One hundred grammes of fresh cherries provide an astounding 1677.6mg of vitamin C. As such, eating two or three cherries a day would be sufficient to fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

The combination of vitamin C and phyto-chemical compounds in cherries helps to boost immunity and protects the body from cancers, aging-degenerative diseases, inflammation and infections. Research studies suggest that chlorogenic acid in cherries may help lower blood sugar levels and control blood-glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus condition.

COCONUT MEAT
Coconut meat contains numerous benefits. It is known to increase metabolism, helping the body to drop excess weight, and also to contain no appreciable levels of cholesterol. Moreover, it supports cardiovascular health and healthy cholesterol formation.

Additionally, it helps to regulate and support healthy hormones, and boosts the immune system. It also hydrates and conditions hair and skin.
AWARA AND KURU
Awara and Kuru carry benefits that are similar to the coconut, as they come from the palm fruit family. These fruits are good sources of fat carbohydrate and modest high quality protein. The oil extracted from their pulp is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, which makes it a cholesterol-free fat that helps to control blood lipids.

These fruits also contain insoluble fiber similar to quantities found in coconut and some peas and beans. As such, their pulp is recommended for conditions such as diabetes, colon cancer constipation, gallstones and obesity. The fruits are antioxidant and are recommended for healthy vision.

By Navendra Seoraj