One of the best things about spring is the proliferation of local farmer’s markets and fruit stands. Access to fresh, local, and hopefully organic produce is such a blessing due to the plethora of nutrients it provides. Unlike most animals, we humans can’t produce our own vitamin C, so we must get it from external sources. You could always take a supplement, but wouldn’t it be more fun and much more delicious to get it from colorful, nutrient-dense foods? Plus, foods rich in vitamin C, such as fruits, also provide a smorgasbord of other beneficial phytonutrients and fiber that supplements don’t. You may be surprised (we were!) at the remarkable health benefits of many common fruits, beyond their value for providing vitamin C. Let’s explore together.
Grapefruit
The seeds of this fruit contain an extract that research shows is highly effective in treating antibiotic resistant UTIs. One study reported that dried or fresh grapefruit seeds at a dosage of 5 – 6 seeds every 8 hours was comparable to antibacterial drugs at inhibiting bacteria without the negative side effects.
Pineapple
The enzyme bromelain, which is extracted from pineapple, may be even more potent than the chemotoxic agent 5-fluorouracil in killing cancer. Authors of a 2023 review study reported that bromelain has shown amazing pharmacologic activities such as anticancer, anti-edema, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-coagulant, anti-osteoarthritis, anti-trauma pain, anti-diarrhea, and wound repair. Most of the research has so far been performed with animal models, so more human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Watermelon
Since it includes amino acids such as L-citrulline that naturally dilate blood vessels, watermelon can reduce hypertension. It also contains more of the antioxidant lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable, and studies have shown that benefit may lower your risk of cancer or diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon is also 92% water … what a tasty way to stay hydrated!
Cherries
You may have a real shot at reducing inflammation and pain by eating cherries, since the anthrocyanins contained in them have been shown as effective at relieving those symptoms as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Lemon
Citrate, a key component in lemon juice, may play an important role in preventing kidney stones. Higher citrate levels in urine can bind to calcium that may otherwise crystalize and grow into stones. Be careful about consuming too much lemon juice though since the acidic liquid can also damage tooth enamel.
Papaya
By placing unripe papaya fruit on skin ulcers, researchers have seen a positive response 72% of the time. In Jamaica, papaya is used as a traditional medicine.
Cranberries
Has anyone ever suggested you drink cranberry juice or eat cranberries to treat urinary tract infections? It’s a common practice, and for good reason. Research has shown the extract of this fruit is as effective as the antibiotic trimethoprim in treating recurrent UTIs, with the added benefit of not increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance/superinfection and fungal yeast infections.
Elderberries
Elderberries have been used since ancient times as a remedy for respiratory infections, but as it turns out, that use is backed by real science. Recent research has found that elderberries contain flavonoids that compare favorably with the antiviral drug Tamiflu against H1N1 infection (swine flu).
Strawberries
Research has found many red fruits and berries helpful for heart health, but strawberries seem to be especially valuable by reducing markers of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. Strawberries may also relax the lining of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart from over-exertion.
God does good work, doesn’t He! Fruit salad, anyone? Organic, of course!
Reference Source: https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/13-common-fruits-uncommonly-potent-medicinal-properties
