Cucumber

Cucumber has very high water content, decent amount of fiber and is low in calories, making it good for hydration, regular stool and weight loss. It can reduce inflammation due to high antioxidant levels and especially a polyphenol group lignans, which may help treat some cancers. Containing fair amounts of potassium, it lowers blood pressure. Nutrients found in its seeds can reduce cholesterol, helping protect heart health and so-called cucurbitacins found in cucumber are considered to prevent atherosclerosis. Cucumber can offer benefits for skin health and protect it from ageing and wrinkles and reduce swelling, sunburns and pain.

Grape

Grape is full of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, mostly present in its skin and seeds. Red grapes contain higher amounts, especially anthocyanins giving them their red color. Another polyphenol antioxidant found in grapes is resveratrol, protecting heart from disease, lowering blood sugar and having some anti-cancer properties, like reducing inflammation and preventing growth of cancer cells. Other benefit of resveratrol is potential activation of genes responsible for slower aging and longevity. Brain and cognitive performance can be also improved by increasing intake of this compound. Grape is a great choice for reducing cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure. Many compounds from grape help maintain eye health, like resveratrol, lutein and zeaxanthin while others can also prevent growth of different bacteria and spread of viral infections.

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.

Plum

Plum is very rich in polyphenol antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, having anti-inflammatory effects and improving heart health. Sorbitol, a compound present in plums and prunes, can aid digestion and relieve constipation acting as a natural laxative. Plum extract may also help kill breast cancer cells. Although high in sugars, plum is rich in fiber and can help regulate blood sugar. Antioxidants found in this fruit can also benefit brain health and prevent some diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is extremely rich in antioxidants, fiber and high in vitamin C and E content. It stands out with its punicalagins and punicic acid content, strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects and improving heart health. It can be used to make blood thinner and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. That keeps blood vessels healthy and prevents atherosclerosis. Pomegranate extract can also help fight prostate cancer. Thanks to high antioxidant and vitamin C content, it helps boost immunity. Some compounds in pomegranate reduce plaque formation on teeth and have anti-bacterial effect on infections, especially in mouth and gums. Pomegranate may also improve memory after surgery. Due to high nitrate content, it is also used among athletes to boost physical performance and blood flow. Thanks to strong anti-inflammatory effects on the body, it can help treat arthritis and joint pain.

Raspberry

Raspberry is one of the best sources of fiber among all berries. It is rich in vitamin C and stands on top among commonly consumed fruits when it comes to antioxidant activity. Like other berries, it is good for diabetes treatment and lowering blood sugar. Another compound present in raspberry is tannin, lowering absorption of carbs after a meal. Raspberry can have anti-inflammatory benefits, keeps heart health in check and can help treat arthritis symptoms and development.

Brussels sprout

Brussels sprout stands out with its antioxidant content, particularly kaempferol. This compound may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties by reducing cancer cell growth and can improve heart health. Brussel sprout is rich in vitamin C and loaded with vitamin K, helping blood clotting and boosting bone health and has a high fiber content. Like other leafy vegetables, it is a great choice for people with diabetes and for regulating blood sugar levels. Omega-3 fats are also present in brussels sprout in decent amounts, making it a good plant based source of these healthy fats.

Blackberry

Blackberry is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, especially anthocyanins. Main benefits to overall health include keeping heart in check and preventing heart disease, boosting immunity and fighting inflammation. It is a very good source of fiber and helps with digestion. Due to vitamin K and manganese content, it is good for bone health and development and osteoporosis prevention. Blackberry extract can help maintain good oral health and fights bacteria in our mouth and gums. This berry is great for diabetes and obesity management, benefiting insulin resistance and triglyceride levels. It also has very low glycemic index and glycemic load, lower than most other commonly consumed berries.

Brazil nut

Brazil nut is the richest known source of selenium, containing up to almost 100 times more selenium than most other nuts. Selenium makes it an excellent choice for proper thyroid function, immune system and cell growth. However, while low levels of selenium are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, consuming too many brazil nuts on daily basis (more than 5), can lead to selenium toxicity and overdose. Brazil nut is also rich in antioxidants like polyphenols gallic and ellagic acid and vitamin E, fighting inflammation. Finally, it is loaded with healthy polyunsaturated fats, reducing bad cholesterol and keeping heart healthy.

Pecan

Pecan has distinctive buttery texture and slightly sweet, but bitter taste, making it used mostly in desserts and salads. Together with macadamia nut, it is highest in fat content among all nuts and is particularly rich in copper and manganese. Monounsaturated fats together with phenolic antioxidants promote heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Like other nuts, pecan is packed with fiber and if consumed in moderation, promotes fullness and benefits weight management. Fiber content keeps digestive system healthy and prevents constipation. Pecan is rich in antioxidant ellagic acid that can protect from certain cancer forms. Magnesium levels provide anti-inflammatory benefits and lower blood pressure. Pecan can also slow down skin ageing, thanks to ellagic acid, vitamin A and E. Combination of different nutrients, mainly zinc, makes pecan great immunity booster. Among other nutrients, it also contains iron and significant amounts of flavonoids. Low sugar levels make it an excellent choice for diabetes prevention and management and slowing down blood sugar spikes.

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