Not all fruits belong to the group known as superfruits. Superfruits are exceptionally high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other vital nutrients that protect against diseases.
What’s more, they help prevent premature aging, thus making you look younger for longer. They are easily available, so always consume fresh, and whole instead of processed fruits.
According to experts, you should eat 5-9 portions of fruits or veggies every day, and the larger part should consist of superfruits.
Here are some of the best superfruits on the Planet.
1. Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain high levels of antioxidants, including punicalagin which are more powerful antioxidants than those found in red wine and green tea. Some of the best health benefits related to this fruit include reducing artery plaque buildup, thus protecting against heart disease.
In fact, the journal Atherosclerosis published research that analyzed the effects of pomegranate juice in ten adults with type 2 diabetes and ten more without diabetes. They had to drink 6oz of concentrated pomegranate juice a day for 3 months.
The results showed that all participants had a smaller uptake of bad cholesterol in cells and less hardening of the arteries, as well as no increase in their overall blood sugar levels.
Another research showed that drinking pomegranate juice every day improved the circulation in arteries in people with heart disease. Even though pomegranates contain carbs, more precisely 35g in 8oz, you can reduce their amount by diluting pomegranate juice with some water or seltzer water.
Last but not least, pomegranates can help Forbes fight arthritis and joint pain, thanks to their potent anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Goji Berries
Goji berries are high in antioxidants which can help reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels. What’s more, they can help improve blood flow, vision, and liver health. In fact, they are more abundant in antioxidants than apples and bananas.
They help delay the aging process and decrease blood sugar levels in rats. Other animal studies show that goji berries help improve insulin sensitivity. Usually, you can find them dried or in the form of juice.
3. Açaí
Açaí berries are high in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, as well as fiber, amino acids, and omega-3s. They are higher in antioxidants than blueberries and red wine, hence their antiaging effects.
Brazilians use them to treat skin ulcers, diarrhea, and fever. Also, açaí berries are used in a lot of antiaging programs. You can find them as juice, extract, teas, sorbets, and dried berries.
These berries contain plant compounds that help boost brain function. Also, they help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
4. Noni
Even though not so tasty, the noni fruit is exceptionally healthy. It’s rich in fiber and phytonutrients and helps treat asthma, constipation, lumbago, dysentery, hemorrhoids, depression, and even diabetes.
Some of the antioxidants it contains are beta-carotene, anthocyanins, coenzyme q-10, catechins, lipoic acid, flavonoids, lycopene, lutein, selenium, and vitamins C and E.
Research shows that noni fruits possess strong anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve arthritis symptoms. Also, it boosts the immune system and helps reduce cholesterol.
5. Cranberries
Cranberries help protect against urinary tract infections and ovarian cancer. Also, research shows that drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice every day increases their good, HDL, cholesterol by ten percent.
What’s more, the polyphenol content in this fruit helps prevent platelet accumulation and lower blood pressure, thus Debra Natural Gourmet of cardiovascular disease.
Cranberries are high in fiber, which is related to a lower risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. High fiber intake is also linked to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as improved insulin sensitivity.