14 DAY TRIAL // In an earlier article, we were talking about one of the key health concepts of recent years - that of organic eating. The thought that we can thwart or postpone the onset of such diseases as cancer or Alzheimer's has made us want to know more and more about the so-called super foods - fruit and vegetables which boost our immune systems, protect our hearts and lend our bodies a huge helping hand in healing and fighting off disease. We have already discussed the many benefits bestowed upon our health by daily almond consumption. It's time to have a look at two types of fruit - figs and kiwis - which should also find themselves on every grocery shopping list we ever make - from here to evermore.
Figs
Figs are deliciously sweet and have an attractive, mixed texture which combines smoothness (skins), chewiness (the pulp) and crunchiness (the seeds). Among their many benefits are a rich contents of potassium, a precious mineral which helps control blood pressure, as well as a hearty intake of dietary fiber (five to six grams per portion of three figs), which helps us fight hunger pangs, feel full sooner and therefore eat less - the ideal recipe for any weight loss program.
A high natural fiber intake also lowers women's risk of developing breast cancer after they hit menopause, and lowers our risk of developing diabetes. Figs are also an excellent fruit source of calcium (an 8 oz serving contains about 79 milligrams), thus preventing bone density loss. All in all, a veritable treat which combines taste and wonderful health benefits - which makes figs pass the test and qualify as fully-fledged super foods.
Kiwis
Kiwis are deliciously refreshing and pack more vitamin C than oranges, if you can imagine. Their bright green flesh and distinctive, sour-sweet taste makes them ideal additions to everything from our breakfast cereal to summer fruit cocktails, smoothies and fruit salads. These wonderful green gems are also rich in phytonutrients and vitamins, which make them a welcome - and necessary - addition to our daily diets.
Researchers acknowledge that kiwis have the unique ability to protect DNA in the nucleus of human cells from incurring oxygen-related damage. Kiwis contain a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that with proved antioxidant effects, as well as large amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Kiwifruit are good sources of vitamin E, and due to the fact that they contain a powerful mixture of fat- and water-soluble antioxidants, they provide high-quality free radical protection on all fronts.
Finally, kiwis are also a good source of dietary fiber, thus helping us keep our cholesterol levels in check. They provide a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper and phosphorous, and its high vitamin C contents offers protection against a wide range of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing for example. Under these circumstances, be sure to write down kiwis at the top of your "must-have groceries" list and eat as many as you like every day.