anait
Mushroom
Mushrooms are high in antioxidants and are the highest source of selenium of all vegetables and fruits. They are rich in fiber, especially beta glucan that lowers cholesterol and protects heart, high in water content, low in calories and fat free. When compared to other vegetables, they have relatively high amounts of protein which makes them very suitable for plant-based diet. They are rich in vitamin B (folate) and minerals, especially copper, as well as phosphorus, iron and potassium. Mushrooms are good for red blood cells production and bone health and for treating anemia. They are one of the richest sources of ergothioneine or ERGO, an antioxidant amino acid.
Pineapple
Pineapple is the only food containing enzyme bromelain that helps with digestion and breaking down the proteins. That makes it a great choice for people with pancreas condition that causes lack of capability to produce these enzymes in our bodies. Thanks to bromelain, after surgeries, pineapple can be consumed as part of the diet to speed up the recovery process and to repair damaged muscle tissues and wound healing, as well as burns. Bromelain is also believed to reduce pain in people suffering from arthritis (inflammation of the joints). Pineapple is rich in antioxidants (especially flavonoids), vitamin C and manganese. It boosts overall immunity and reduces inflammation.
Watermelon
Originating in Africa, watermelon is high in water content, vitamin A and C and very low in calories. Although a poor fiber source, it is not only good as a refreshing snack in summer, but is one of the richest foods in lycopene (even more than tomatoes, giving it its pink color) and citrulline. While lycopene can improve heart health, lower cholesterol and protect from cancer, citrulline is an amino acid responsible for lowering blood pressure and can be used to treat muscle soreness.
Green peas
This legume is high in starch and fiber and especially rich in protein. Peas contain antioxidants polyphenols and have low glycemic index, helping stabilize blood sugar levels and are diabetes friendly food. They are great for digestion due to high content of insoluble fiber, protect heart from heart disease and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Rich in saponins, they have anti-cancer properties. The most present minerals in peas are manganese, phosphorus and iron. Another powerful substance in peas is lutein, good for eye health. On the other side, peas contain antinutrients common for legumes, that are making the mineral absorption and peas digestion more complicated. This might cause bloating and discomfort during consumption.
Blueberry
Blueberries are very low in calories and are incredibly nutrient-dense. They are considered to be the richest food in antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. They contain mainly flavonoids, more specifically anthocyanins giving them their deep blue color. Antioxidant properties of blueberries help reduce DNA damage and therefore slow down aging and have anti-cancer effect on our body. They are also believed to be mood boosters. Blueberries help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and protect our heart. They have low glycemic index and are an excellent choice for people with diabetes and can be consumed as a prevention against this health issue. Lastly, they improve cognitive performance and brain health.
Banana
Banana is athlete’s favorite healthy snack, due to good fiber and mineral content and natural sugars excellent for restoring energy levels. Starch from unripe bananas gradually turns into sugar as they get more yellow and mature. Banana is rich in pectin giving it its soft, spongy texture. Pectin can help regulate blood sugar levels after a meal and together with resistant starch reduces appetite. However, both pectin and resistant starch concentration drops as the banana ripens. Banana is great for digestion and good bacteria in our guts and is a rich source of vitamin B6 and potassium. Potassium from banana improves heart and kidney health and regulates blood pressure and is also believed to reduce muscle cramps due to exercising. High antioxidant levels, particularly dopamine, make banana a great choice for heart disease and degenerative illnesses.
Apple
Apple has high content of polyphenols – powerful antioxidants present mostly in the peel, helping regulate blood sugar and fat levels. Apples are very filling and help reduce appetite when consumed before a meal. That makes them an important food in weight management and obesity prevention. They are beneficial to heart health and lower risk of stroke and heart disease due to high soluble fiber content. Apples contain fiber pectin, feeding good bacteria in our guts and lowering cholesterol. They are considered to lower risk of type 2 diabetes and widely believed to reduce risk of cancer.