Kiwi

Kiwi is an unexpectedly good source of vitamin C, packing more per 100g than oranges and lemons. It is rich in antioxidants believed to help lungs function properly making it possible source for asthma treatment. Kiwi is full of fiber and improves digestion. Another compound that helps with digestion is enzyme actinidin, enhancing breaking down of the proteins. Kiwi is great as immunity booster, can lower blood pressure and improve eye and skin health. Some antioxidants and serotonin found in it can help with insomnia and sleep disorders.

Carrot

Carrot is a known booster of eye health. That is mainly for beta carotene it contains, converted to vitamin A in our body. Just 100g of raw carrot provides almost 3,5 daily doses of vitamin A. Eating some fat with carrot improves the absorption of beta carotene. Another antioxidant present in carrot is lutein, also good for eye health. Carrot is rich in vitamin K, as well as fiber, mainly pectin. Glycemic index of raw carrot is low, making it suitable for diabetes when consumed in this form. It is good for digestion and gut health and can aid weight loss. Thanks to high fiber content, it is believed that carrot can decrease cholesterol levels.

Asparagus

Asparagus packs a lot of nutrients in a very few calories that makes it a highly nutrient dense food. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, A and E as well as fiber and protein. It helps with digestion and regulates diabetes. It is a good source of folate, helping red blood cells formation and especially supporting healthy development in pregnancy. It is also rich in potassium which helps lower blood pressure. Asparagus contains high levels of the amino acid called asparagine and is a natural diuretic, enabling excess fluid and salt get out from the body.

Apricot

Apricot is a great plant based source of vitamin A. That makes it beneficial for eye health and prevention of night blindness. It is also rich in potassium and contains good amount of fiber, helping the digestion. Beta carotene and flavonoids are also present in apricots, reducing inflammation and risk of diabetes and heart disease. Thanks to vitamin C and beta carotene, it can also protect skin again sunburns. It is a good snacking choice after exercising due to high water and potassium intake. Apricot also supports bone health, since it contains not only calcium but also potassium, which is needed for proper absorption of calcium. Due to presence of both iron and vitamin C necessary for iron absorption, apricot can help with anemia treatment.

Chestnut

Chestnut differs from other nuts, especially because it is very low in fats, significantly lower in calories and has much higher content of vitamin C when compared to its relatives. It is very filling and promotes fullness. Chestnut is a great choice for restoring energy levels due to high carbohydrate content. Like other nuts, it is rich in antioxidants, especially ellagic acid and is good for heart and cardiovascular health. It is rich in copper and manganese and reduces cholesterol levels and improves digestion. Thanks to high copper content, it is also keeps bones strong and healthy.

Lemon

Lemon is a good source of flavonoids and vitamin C and easy to incorporate in the diet. Compounds found in lemon can reduce cholesterol and it is considered a great addition for weight loss. Rich in citric acid, lemon can prevent kidney stones. Its main fiber is pectin, improving digestive health. In order to use this benefit, it is necessary to eat the lemon pulp, not just the juice. Since lemon contains decent amount of iron and vitamin C that helps its absorption, it can be consumed as part of anemia treatment. Drinking lemon water can lower blood pressure.

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.

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.

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.

Cabbage

Cabbage is low in starch and high in fiber, which, together with low glycemic index make it an excellent choice for diabetes treatment. It also contains anthocyanins, especially found in red cabbage, that help reduce blood sugar levels and keep heart healthy. Although it can cause excessive gas, it is very high in vitamins K and C and antioxidants like polyphenols. It is good for digestion and lowering cholesterol levels. Cabbage is one of the best medicines for inflammation and promotes gut health, especially in fermented form or as famous ‘kimchi’.

Contact us at contact@vitaminbase.eu or use the form below:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates!