Protection from allergies: Make sure you’re eating your apples with the skin on — it contains an antioxidant that has antihistamine properties. One study even found that people who eat five apples a week have better lung function than people who don’t.
Lower blood pressure: Not only can foods rich in potassium lower blood pressure, you can get the benefits without eating bananas all day. In fact, bananas don’t even rank in the top 10 of best sources of potassium — instead, reach for baked sweet potatoes, beet greens, winter squash, prune juice and carrot juice.
Fight ageing/age-related diseases: Ever heard of anthocyanins? They’re antioxidant flavonoids that do a ton for you, protecting you against cognitive decline (not to mention cancer, diabetes and heart disease). Anthocyanins are what provide berries and plants with their rich red, blue and purple colours. Find them in berries like acai, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and cranberry; as well as blue corn, eggplant and red cabbage.
Boost immune system: You probably equate vitamin C — a huge immune system booster that also protects against cardiovascular diseases and eye disease — with oranges. But other fruits and vegetables pack an even bigger punch. Opt for guava, sweet red pepper and kiwis, which have over the daily recommended amount of vitamin C per serving.
Reduce cholesterol: Dietary fibre helps lower your cholesterol and risk of heart disease, in addition to keeping bowels moving and helping you feel full. Tired of beans? Grab fibre-rich veggies and fruits like artichoke, baked sweet potato (with the peel), Asian pears, pumpkin, and spinach.
Keep bones and teeth healthy: You don’t need to eat dairy to get your fill of calcium. Other great sources include collard greens, turnip greens, spinach, kale, and okra.
Source: care2.com
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