Watermelon

Summer time is just around the corner and tis' the season for watermelons! I always crave for this fruit to keep myself hydrated through the scorching Summer heat. Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin that also grow on vines on the ground. Did you know that this fruit is packed with benefits? So go ahead, keep reading to find out!

• It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene.
• It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene.
• The beautiful red watermelon is also a source of the potent carotene antioxidant which is called lycopene. These antioxidants travel throughout the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause much damage to us. They are able to oxidize cholesterol, making it stick to blood vessel walls and thicken them which can lead to hearty attack or stroke. The lycopene which gives fruits the attractive red color that we find in watermelon can help reduce the risks of prostate cancer.
• It is a surprising fact that watermelon is the only fruit that contains higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
• Rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration.
• Rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Because of its higher water content approximately ninety percent and calorie value it is ranked more valuable than other fruits.
• Has a special cooling effect and is exceptionally high in citrulline, an amino acid that our bodies use to make another amino acid, arginine, which is used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia from the body.
• The antioxidants help reducing the severity of asthma. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer, asthma, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer.
• A good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protect our body from so many diseases.
• It is fat free but helps energy production. It protects against macular degeneration. A complete cup serving of watermelon only contains around forty calories which is almost entirely made up of water. A 2-cup serving of watermelon is only 80 calories.

Oranges

Oranges is one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are grown in abundance in tropical and subtropical climates. Brazil is the largest orange growing country in the world. This sweet fruit can either be eaten after peeling or processed to extract juice. Its finely textured peel is used to cook various delicacies in many countries, as well make perfect snacks!

Benefits of Oranges:

• As oranges are rich in calcium, they are associated with maintenance and protection of the bones.
• Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, protects the cells from damage.
• Oranges are very efficient in maintaining the dental health.
• Due to the presence of magnesium in oranges, it regulates the blood pressure levels.
• The fibre in orange reduces high cholesterol level in the body.
• Folic acid in oranges aids in the development of brain.
• As oranges are a good source of potassium, they aid in maintaining the electrolyte balance in cells and also the cardiovascular system.
• Vitamin B6 in oranges enables the processing of protein and carbohydrates in food. Vitamin B6 also supports the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. 

Apple's

 
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a famous saying, but did you know that this quote is actually very true? I love apple's! There are many types of apple's and what they all have in common is that they carry lots of nutrients and benefits for your health.

Apples have been recommended for :  

Obesity, Headache, Arthritis, Bronchial asthma, Inflammation of the bladder, Gonorrhea, Anemia, Tuberculosis, Neuritis, Insomnia, Catarrh, Gallbladder stones, Worms, Halithosis, Pyorrhea.

Here is a list that explains some of the benefits of eating Apple's:

• Helps protect bone health
• Helps prevent asthma, heart disease, and cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and liver
• Research also suggests that the phytonutrient called quercetin may help to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
• Pectin in apples can help to lower LDL cholesterol
• Cleans teeth and strengthens gum
• Will make the cholesterol level lower
• Detoxify the body and has an antiviral properties
• Prevents constipation because it helps digestion
• One large apple supplies almost 30% of minimum amount of fiber that should be consumed daily
• Good for diabetes and weight management.
• Good source of vitamin C
• Good source of soluble and insoluble fiber
• Excellent source of flavanoids and antioxidants

Plums

There are so many types of fruits out on the market and one of my favorites are Plums! These scumptious little buggers have so many benefits for your health and here are some of them:

• It is believed that 3 serving of fruit every day can reduce your chances of macular degeneration.
• Is very effective in resolving the symptoms of fatigue. Just 5 to 6 plums in your daily diet can help resolve the symptoms of fatigue in a week. The reason for this is plum has all important minerals, especially certain natural tranquilizers which help to calm the nerves and catalyze natural REM sleep.
• Has some phytonutrients that can stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
• Help in absorption of iron in the body. 
• They contain fibre, potassium, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, iron, minerals, and vitamin C and are low in fat and contain no calories.  
• It is a good source of dietary fibers which can help lower bad cholesterol and help prevent constipation.

They are the perfect fruit to eat when you are busy and need something quick to eat, or when you are on the run! When you are craving for sweets, bite into Plums instead! :-)