4 Superfruits To Have In Your Kitchen

Stocking your fridge with nourishing essentials is the first step to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Since fruits like lemons, oranges and apples are already regulars in most of our kitchens—let's take the spotlight off these common fruits and highlight four others to pick up the next time you are at the grocery store (or ordering your list through a delivery service). Learn why you should add these four super fruits to your diet today.

Pineapples

Pineapples are packed with nutrients and disease-fighting antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids. They also contain a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain, which helps break down protein molecules. Once they are broken down, they are more easily absorbed across the small intestine. This can be especially good for people with pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the pancreas cannot make enough digestive enzymes. 

After doing some research of my own on this delicious fruit over the past few years, I have found multiple studies showing that pineapple and its compounds may reduce the risk of cancers.

One of these compounds, being bromelain again, shows that it suppressed the growth of breast cancer cells and stimulated cell death. Other studies have shown that bromelain suppresses cancer in the skin, bile duct, gastric system and colon among other areas. 

Definitely adding pineapple to smoothies or in a fruit salad regularly sounds like a good idea!

Goji Berries

Goji berries are a sweet-and-sour berry that can be eaten raw, dried, or in liquid or powder form. They contain high levels of antioxidants and fiber, are low in calories, and are naturally fat-free. The fruit contains strong amounts of beta carotene, along with other nutrients that help with eye and skin health. An easy way to incorporate goji berries into your daily diet is by adding them to your acai bowls, or snacking on the berries pre-workout to energize and maintain stamina.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is an exotic fruit packed with a variety of nutritious benefits. Antioxidants found in this fig destroy free radicals in the body, help to slow down skin aging, fights wrinkles and aid in repairing UV damage. The jackfruit’s high protein content is often used as a meat substitute in vegan dishes (think: pulled “pork”for vegans), since it is cooked and shredded texture is pretty similar.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a soft and creamy tropical fruit with a tangy and sugary flavor. It is a good source of vitamin C and supports the body in producing leukocytes, which are the white blood cells that protect against infectious diseases. Mangosteens also contain powerful cell-booster antioxidants called xanthones (found mainly in the rind), which help repair and protect the health of your cells and support many of the body’s vital functions. Xanthones also have an anti-inflammatory effect and may lower your risk of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Eat them raw (add them into your next fruit salad as well) or juice them up! I personally love making vegan mangosteen popsicles. If you are interested in the recipe, write in the comments below and I might do a post on the delicious recipe! 

To your health!

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