In many parts of the country, snow and ice still have a deathgrip on
the local climate. In my neck of the woods, we still have massive piles
of ice and snow on every street corner and at the end of every driveway.
So it’s only natural that many of us are looking for a way to bust
through the winter blues.
One thing that often works is to enjoy more tropical fruits, such as
mangoes, bananas, coconuts, or papayas. These fruits are usually
available all winter long, and are like an early preview of summer’s
warmth. But beyond these warm feelings, many tropical fruits have far
more powerful abilities.
Did you know that one tropical fruit can be used as a substitute for
IV fluid in an emergency? Or that another tropical treat has been shown
in studies to kill cancer cells? Aside from their health benefits, there
are plenty of other reasons to love the following tropical fruits…and
some of these benefits will definitely surprise you.
1. Coconuts
You might think of coconut as the sweet topping on German chocolate
cake, but this fruit has plenty of health benefits as well. Coconut
water has a ton of health benefits. It’s a sterile source of clean
water, useful for survival hydration. On top of this, coconut water has
the same level of electrolytic balance human blood. In the Pacific
Theatre during World War II, coconut water was frequently used in the
field as an emergency plasma transfusion for wounded combatants.
Coconut water makes a better sports drink than commercial products,
as it is lower in salts and sugars and higher in potassium. And, of
course, the flesh and oil of the coconut is also edible and good for
you!
2. Mangosteen
The mangosteen is a small fruit with white flesh, popular throughout
Asia. One group of scientists has proposed that alpha-mangostin, an
antioxidant found only in mangosteen, can cause cell death
in leukemia cells, effectively treating the disease. While more
research needs to be done, mangosteen is also said to have powerful
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.
3. Avocado
You might think of it as a vegetable, but this is actually a fruit. And not just any fruit, but a fruit
that has been shown to lower cholesterol. They are also rich in folic
acid, which can prevent some kinds of common birth defects. Even more
interesting is that avocados are the ultimate life hack fruit: when you
eat an avocado with other vegetables, you absorb more nutrients from the
meal than you would have from eating the vegetables alone. Top your
salad with a few slices of avocado, and you’ll be increasing your intake
of vitamins and minerals from the meal.
4. Mango
A single mango
will contain half of your recommended daily allowance of both Vitamin A
and Vitamin C, as well as some B-Vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids,
polyphenols, beta-carotene, and…well, maybe it would have been quicker
for me to list the few nutrients that this little fruit DOESN’T contain…
I picked up an interesting tip about quickly ripening mangoes from the book “Urawaza”,
which I reviewed here recently. If you pick up a mango at the
supermarket that is still hard, soak it in simmering water for just 10
minutes to speed up the ripening process. The sooner you can eat one,
the sooner you can start to enjoy its beneficial qualities.
5. LonganLongan berries,
native to China, have long been said by Asian herbalists to have
relaxing properties, making them the perfect snack to enjoy to lower
your stress levels. It is also said to have anti-cancer, antioxidant,
and liver-protective properties. The longan contains high levels of
iron, potassium, and large amounts of vitamins A and C. Finding them in a
form other than fresh at your local market may be tough, but dried and
canned longan are also available.
Conclusion
In general, eating more fruits is good for your health. Overall, tropical fruits
have been known to reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease. On top
of these benefits, a diet rich in tropical fruits ensures that you will
have improved digestion and GI function. Best of all, these fruits can
neutralize free radicals, protecting you from asthma, joint pain, and
the above-mentioned heart and cancer risks.
You are what you eat. If you want to be smart, eat smart, and reach
for these tropical fruits the next time you are craving a snack.
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