• Investment World
• eWorld
• Brand Line
• Mentor
• Life
• Brand Quest
• The New Manager
• Smartbuy

Stocks

• Quotes
• SE Diary
• Scoreboard
• Open-End Mutual Fund

Cross Currency

• Rates
  
  

Shipping

• Ports
  
  

Archives

• Yesterday
• Datewise
• Resources
• In Focus
• In Depth
• Events 2007

Group Sites

• The Hindu
• The Hindu ePaper
• Business Line
• Business Line ePaper
• Sportstar
• Frontline
• The Hindu eBooks
• The Hindu Images

Meghna Nanda Dasgupta

While the awaited monsoons bring a welcome respite from summer heat, they also pose a few challenges to the body. The high humidity levels increase the risk of fungal skin infections. Flooded areas and stagnated water lead to proliferation of mosquitoes, which increases the incidence of malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. All of this puts our immune system under scrutiny. So why not give the body lots more nutrients and antioxidants this season?

Stack up your shopping trolley with these super fruits. They are rich in phytonutrients (polyphenols), potent antioxidants which boost our immune health, in addition to providing vitamins and minerals for overall wellbeing.

This Indian berry is rich in minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and manganese. It also possesses hypoglycaemic properties (lowers blood sugar levels). Its vibrant blue colour is due to the presence of a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanins which possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. When choosing one, avoid the fruit that is bruised or has cuts on the surface. Enjoy it as a snack or make jams and jellies using apple/grapefruit juice as a sweetener instead of sugar. The nutrients from the juices will boost the antioxidants and minerals present in the jamun.

The lychee fruit is good for overall health and wellness. Some research points to its anti-breast cancer properties. Three lychees would meet a third of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement. They are also a good source of riboflavin, potassium, copper and fibre.

Lychee have been found to contain the second-highest level of heart healthy polyphenols (antioxidants) of all fruits tested in a study. When choosing fresh lychees, check for a rosy looking, vibrant red-coloured skin. The shell should not be damaged and the fruit should be slightly soft. Enjoy it on its own or sprinkle (after de-seeding) lavishly on your favourite cereal/muesli in the mornings. Serve as a dessert with yoghurt or make your own lychee sorbet. Lychee juice is perfect for hot humid days.

Cherries seem to top the list on “Super Fruits” these days. Research suggests that they contain the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. They are also rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fibre, folate and beta carotene (more than the levels found in blueberries or strawberries).

Cherries are also a source of the anthocyanidins and have been linked to various health benefits — ease arthritis pain and gout, reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Choose cherries that are glossy, plump, hard and brightly coloured with fresh and green stems; avoid ones which are bruised or have cuts on the surface. Enjoy them straight from the bag or brighten up your morning with a cherry smoothie. Add cherries to your favourite cake and biscuit recipes. Sprinkle them on salads to boost your nutrient intake.

The author is a nutritionist. meghna@nutrinirvana.com

More Stories on : Health | Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Off the coast

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line