Superfoods - apples and avocados

Fruits and vegetables possess amazing properties capable of countless functions in the body which promote the longevity of life. They are indeed ‘super’ in their activities because they boost the immune system thereby improving health conditions in the most natural and effective way. They do this by engaging in activities which target high cholesterol, heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer. Research has shown that these conditions improve by 50-70% in people who changed their eating habits and lifestyle by eating more healthy, balanced meals and incorporating exercise as part of their routine. We may take them for granted because they are readily available, underestimate their powers or just lack the knowledge of their special health benefits. This article will focus on two of my favorite ‘superfoods’ apples and avocados which have amazing qualities.

APPLES
There just isn’t enough paper in the world to write about all the benefits of an apple and that’s probably why it is one of the most talked about fruit. Apples are high in antioxidants which are great in fighting all the nasty stuff in our body. A great source of vitamins A, B1,B2, B6 ,C, also high in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium.

What do these do? Everything from anti-cancer promotion to improved digestive health, never underestimate the power of an apple! If you suffer from any digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, apples are very important to your diet because the pectin (soluble fibre) in apples works by eliminating toxins found in the intestines, facilitating the removal of the most stubborn and unwanted products especially when nature calls, if you catch my drift. Another juicy fact is that because apples are great at attacking harmful toxins inside the body, they are one of nature’s best detox agents i.e quercitin which is a phytonutrient found in apples fights high cholesterol which reduces the risk of heart disease. Another great fact that will excite the ladies is that eating apples will help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The juice from the apple combats cellulite by eliminating the toxins in the fat tissue. The great thing is you don’t have to waste too much money on cellulite creams if you combine a great balanced diet with exercise.

Useful tip: try eating a couple of apples and drinking some peppermint tea when constipated, feel the magic!

AVOCADOS
Avocados are classified under vegetables, they are a meal on their own because they contain all six human nutritional needs required for a balanced diet such as vitamins (B, C, beta-carotene), minerals (potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus), protein, essential fatty acid (in form of omega oil) and natural sugar.

What do these do? All these work very hard to give you great skin, healthy hair and scalp. They do this by playing a vital role in the fight against harmful free radicals which age the skin and increase the appearance of premature wrinkles. Fighting these harmful free radicals will not only give you a younger radiant skin but will also boost your immune system. Studies have shown that avocados also contain an antioxidant called lutein, which combats a variety of health challenges in the body such as prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Useful tip: Avocados are wonderful to use as face masks, by replenishing the skin
through moisture, also place slices of cucumber on tired eyes to relieve puffiness.


Mariam Waziri
Biotech Scientist