Fruit-ilicious

Marium Manzouri

Craving a sugar fix?? Rather than bolting straight down the candy aisle of your neighborhood supermarket and filling up on a calorie drenched, zit causing, fat slapped chocolate bar, how about heading over to your local farmers market and picking up the freshest and juiciest, not to mention sweetest, fruits this gorgeous season has to offer. With the option of choosing from an abundant array of luscious summer fruits, from succulent white peaches and juicy cherries, to heavenly mangoes and super sweet berries, you’re sure to find a fruit to satisfy even the most critical of taste buds! Not only will you be doing a noble thing by totally satisfying your buds, you’ll be pleasing you’re entire body too. Did you know that there is actually more truth behind the famous saying – ‘a fruit a day will keep the doctor away’, than most may originally think? Several profound studies have concluded that fruit is one of the ultimate weapons needed in order to maintain tip-top health and vitality. Surprised? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’m sure that if the majority of people also knew of just a fraction of the benefits fruits have to offer, including dramatic benefits for the immune system, the digestion process, skin, hair, eyes, the heart, circulation and the nervous and respiratory systems, many of today’s leading multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical drug companies, who feed off people needing to improve these very aspects of self, would be facing bankruptcy.

Still not convinced that fruit is the better choice over chocolate? Here are some incredible facts that just might be enough to give you that nudge you need towards a healthier diet habit.

Did you know that…

Peaches and Nectarines are:

· A good and gentle laxative

· Helpful for people with high cholesterol

· Great for pregnant women

· An excellent supplement for those with constant fatigue and anemia

· Best when eaten raw, ripe and washed!

Cherries are:

· Equipped with high levels of vitamin C, and next to no sodium (salt)

· An excellent source for Cancer protection, since they contain Ellagic Acid, which inhibits carcinogenic cells

· A good diuretic

· Beneficial for the joints

· Best when eaten fresh, cooked or bottled

Mangoes:

· Boast more than a day’s requirement of Vitamin C

· Have nearly half a day’s requirement of Vitamin E

· Contain important supplements like Potassium, Iron and Nicotinic Acid

· Are great for skin problems and irritations, convalescence, and aid in the protection against Cancer

Berries:

Strawberries help purge uric acid from the body, which if left untreated, can cause joint irritation, therefore making strawberries great for arthritis

Strawberries are highly effective against heart and circulatory disease, and also help to reduce levels of cholesterol.

Black currants have powerful anti-oxidants, and are great for those with high blood pressure, stress and anxiety. They also help reduce water retention

Blackberries are great for heart and skin problems, and help to ensure proper circulation. In addition, they contain very strong anti-oxidants, which are protective against Cancer and infections, and helpful for those who are undergoing Cancer treatment.

The juice of Red berries can help lower a fever.

Blueberries are good for diarrhea and urinary tract infections, and also help to conceal varicose veins.

Raspberries can prove to be vital for those with heart problems, fatigue, depression, and mouth problems.

So there you have it--there is absolutely no reason not to eat these, and plenty more delicious fruits, and start preserving your health today. And the greatest thing about picking out your favorite fruits at your local farmers market is that almost all of the stalls sell only 100% fresh organic fruits, which means they contain no genetically altered and unnatural hormones or pesticides. What more could you want?

I know I’m totally sold! I’ll see you at the market this weekend, and remember--you’re only a few juicy bites away from a healthier life!

Marium Manzouri is a current student at Santa Monica College, majoring in Communications, and editor of the "Our Bodies" section of Voices Magazine