Coconut

Coconut has a high percentage of insoluble fiber as well as medium-chain, quickly metabolized saturated fats. The main component of these fatty acids in coconut is lauric acid. Coconut oil can improve heart health and reduce cholesterol levels. It also helps with yeast infections, caused by for example Candida or Staphylococcus and has antiviral and antifungal effect. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it can boost oral health and help with teeth issues. Bones and skin can also benefit from coconut and since it promotes fullness and fat burning, it helps efficient weight loss when consumed in moderation. It is beneficial for gut bacteria and aids blood sugar control. Coconut is a good snack for gaining energy quickly and improving physical performance. It promotes thyroid function and coconut water can be used to treat bladder infections.

Fig

Considered the oldest cultivated fruit, fig contains lots of fiber, making it a good remedy for constipation and improving digestion. Prebiotics found in fig also help with digestion and gut health. Fig leaf tea or extract may be beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels and diabetes treatment. Thanks to high fiber and potassium content, fig can lower high blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols. Some other potential benefits include improving hair and bone health, due to calcium and magnesium content.

Pear

Often overshadowed by apple, pear is rich in antioxidants polyphenols and has very high fiber content, making it good for digestion and gut health. Pear can contain different antioxidants based on its color. Anthocyanins give it its red hue, while lutein and zeaxanthin appear in green pears. Another antioxidant present in the peel is quercetin, improving heart health, lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of stroke. Pear is best eaten with the skin that holds most of its antioxidants and fiber. It is good for fighting inflammation and fiber in pear slows down digestion, helping regulate blood sugar levels and absorption of carbs.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato is loaded with beta-carotene that’s converted to vitamin A in our body – just 100g provides almost 4 times of needed daily intake of this vitamin. Beta-carotene is giving it bright orange color, making sweet potato a great booster of eye health. It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants and is beneficial for gut health, especially the purple sweet potato. This colored variety of sweet potato is rich in anthocyanins, that can even have anti-cancer properties, particularly colon cancer. It is also a good source of magnesium that can help manage stress levels.

Pistachio

Pistachio is one of the richest sources of vitamin B6 and is very high in potassium. It contains antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, promoting eye health. These antioxidants from pistachio are very easily absorbed in our body. Also packed with protein and aminoacids, it is great for gut health, blood vessels and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is a great source of vitamin E, improving skin and hair health. Pistachio can also help with blood sugar control and lowering cholesterol and keeps heart healthy. It may aid weight loss when consumed in moderation since not all the fat from it is absorbed in our body.

Walnut

Walnut is highest in antioxidants among all nuts, rich in vitamin E, ellagic acid and melatonin. Loads of omega-3 fats make it a great choice for protecting heart health. It is believed that walnut can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Walnut also lowers risk of cancer, especially prostate and color one and being also rich in polyphenols, it decreases inflammation in the body. It benefits gut health and is a good choice for weight management and decreasing appetite. Another benefit is lowering risk of diabetes and it is considered good for brain health and improving brain functions. In males, walnut can improve reproductive 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.

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’.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable high in fiber and low in calories. It is one of the most filling vegetables and promotes fullness and weight management. It is rich in antioxidants, especially in glucosinolates and sulforaphane helping slow down growth of cancer cells. Cauliflower is good for heart and blood vessel health and contains high amounts of vitamin C. It is also rich in choline, a nutrient promoting brain development and nervous system health and protecting liver from excessive cholesterol accumulation. It contains decent amount of folate that promotes blood cell formation and enables healthy cell growth and function.

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