From South America to Malaysia, from Hawaii to China, fruits, berries, and their juices are
being hailed as the new superfoods. Boasting high amounts of antioxidants and other vital nutrients, superfoods can
play a supporting role in a healthy diet.
Rush of antioxidants
Antioxidants are the body’s armed
forces, working to prevent free-radical damage to the body’s cells, which is associated
with premature aging and disease.
Ruby-red pomegranate is an antioxidant
superstar. The distinctive sweet-tart flavor of the seeds and juice adds flare to food and
drink. Native to Iran and the northern Himalayas in India, the pomegranate today is grown in California and
Arizona.
Açaí is another rich antioxidant
source with a notable taste: a cross between dark
chocolate and berries. Derived from Amazon palmberries, its rich purple pigment denotes a
high antioxidant level. According to the manufacturers, açaí is also high in amino acids and fatty acids, which help to keep cell membranes supple.
You’ll find açaí in smoothies,
juices, teas, and powders.
Exotic fruits for vitality
A host of other fruits from around the world show promise for their health-promoting
properties, though research is needed to confirm their benefits.
The berries and juice of the goji fruit holds its nutritional treasures. From the Ningxia
province of China, goji, a fruit of an evergreen shrub, was traditionally regarded as a
longevity-promoting and strength-building tonic. Goji is high in antioxidants and amino acids, according to the manufacturers.
The juice of the native Malaysian mangosteen Garcinia mangostanas contains a class
of antioxidants called xanthones, which hold
promise for their disease-fighting properties.
Noni, or the morinda tree, is found in the Polynesian Islands and Hawaii. The fruit and its
juice are used traditionally as a laxative and topically for skin ailments. Today noni is touted for its ability to
aid a wide variety of conditions from improving
asthma to assisting in weight loss.
Keep it real
When trying new products—especially those that make big promises—do your
research and consult your healthcare practitioner so you can make informed choices. Remember
that moderation and variation are the keys to health, and a wide variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts and other protein sources, will work together to
promote health and vigor.