Not only does this vitamin strengthen "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, the lining of the eyes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, it is also essential for the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, that fight infection once in the body. This vitamin, when converted into the retinal (retinaldehyde) form, is vital for healthy eyes. It allows the eye to effectively distinguish between light and dark, thus improving night vision. Furthermore, vitamin A is believed to fight against cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other age-related ocular diseases. 

This creamy, rich, and sweet, fruit is a favorite food for everyone from infants to elders. Sports enthusiasts appreciate the potassium-power delivered by this high energy fruit. They are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Since this average fruit contains a whopping 467 mg of potassium and 1 mg of sodium, a piece of this a day may help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis. The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods such as bananas in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies.

Many people think about this superfood as being nothing more than plain old vegetable that can tweak our taste buds with some extra flavor. Yet cutting-edge research on these superfoods tells us that nothing could be further from the truth as they have so many unique nutritional benefits to offer! One difficulty in describing the health benefits of these foods is knowing where to begin. There are a surprising number of nutrient categories responsible for the health benefits of this underappreciated tuber. Among these categories are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and blood sugar-regulating nutrients. Each category brings with it valuable health benefits.

This anti-inflammatory food has been in the press lately. It has many researched health benefits that have been noted through the ages. This powerful spice can be added to your foods, or taken in supplement form. There are many reasons to add it to our daily eating routine. Here are 21 Reasons.

This digestive enhancing food is a plant based source of calcium and consuming healthy amounts of calcium is one of the best ways to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss. Osteoporosis has been linked with lower amounts of calcium consumption, so eating this food on a regular basis can prevent osteoporosis and enhance digestion. Because it contains anti-bacterial properties, it can be used to fight off infections internally and externally. Ancient cultures applied these burnt seeds to wounds in order to prevent infections. Typically fruits and vegetables with bright colors contain properties that protect the body from free radicals.

There is a food that has been used for ages to help with many of the body’s ailments. This food offers not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, this food contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain to help with many digestive related issues. This super food is called papaya.

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders that included 65 overweight and obese adults suggests that this superfood-enriched low calorie diet can help overweight individuals shed pounds more effectively than a low calorie diet high in complex carbohydrates. Those on this superfood-enriched low calorie diet consumed 39% of their calories in the form of fat, 25% of which was monounsaturated fat. In contrast, those on the low calorie diet high in complex carbohydrates consumed only 18% of their calories as fat, of which 5% was monounsaturated fat, while 53% of their calories were derived from carbohydrate.

These super fruits are a great source of minerals that helps to control blood pressure. Many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but also do consume high amounts of sodium as salt. Therefore frequently eating added processed foods, which may lead to being deficient in potassium.

Can vegetables really block fat? The high fiber content (over 15% of our RDA) of this fat burning vegetable has the ability to  lower our cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because many of these bile acids are coupled with fiber, the liver is charged with producing more bile acid to digest fat, and therefore requires more cholesterol to do so, ultimately lowering the cholesterol amount within our bodies.

This fruit won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an this fruit stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. A new study performed on mice shows that drinking this fruit juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.