CAN HELP
-Energy deficiencies
-Immune problems
-Circulation conditions
-Sexual dysfunction

ACAI AND LEUKEMIA
A 2006 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that extracts from acai fruit triggered an apoptosis response in up to 86 percent of leukemia celss tested.

2.  CAMU-CAMU
Camu-camu, or Myrciaria dubia is a purple-skinned fruit native to Peru with a diverse nutritional profile.  It is essentially unknown in the U.S. but it is esteemed in Japan, where it is believed to improve mood , fight depression, and increase energy levels.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Potassium
-Flavanoids
-Vitamin C
-Amino acids

CAN HELP
-Mood disorders
-Immune function
-Viral and bacterial infection

CAMU-CAMU AND ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION
Researchers from Brazil published findings of a 2005 study showing that camu-camu, a fruit long used by native cultures in South America, contains several antioxidant compounds, many of which are linked to reduced risks of a variety of diseases linked to the aging process.

3.  PEAR
Much like its cousin, the nashi pear, the "common" or European pear is packed with a variety of nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C and several polyhenols.  Research suggests that pears may be able to help normalize blood sugar levels, boost metabolism and provide a variety of other health benefits.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Potassium
-Dietary fiber
-Vitamin C

CAN HELP
-Gastrointestinal health
-Blood glucose/diabetic conditions

4.  CRANBERRY
The tart tasting cranberry is now commonly recommended even by doctors for urinary tract infections.  In fact, a recent study showed its effectiveness in reducing E. coli bacteria in urine at twice the levels of the placebo.  Cranberries are very high in vitamin C and proanthocyanins, both of which are powerful antioxidants.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamin C
-Various polyphenols

CAN HELP
-Urinary tract infections
-High cholesterol
-Antioxidant protection

CRANBERRY AND BACTERIAL INFECTION
Cranberry is well-known for its protective efforts on the urinary tract.  A recent 2006 study supports this thinking, showing that the berry can inhibit the formation and activity of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria.  The study, published in FEMS Microbiology Letters, suggests that cranberry’s ability to fight bacteria is one way it prevents and effectively treats urinary tract infections.

5.  BANANA
This high fiber fruit contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol, and it’s a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium.  Banan’s potassium levels may help to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of a stroke.  They also offer quick relief for muscle cramps.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Potassium
-Vitamin C
-B vitamins

CAN HELP
-Sleep and nervous system health
-Blood cell health

6.  PRUNES
The healthful attributes of plums are multiplied when the fruit is dried to produce prunes.  Plums possess impressive antioxidant properties, but when converted into prunes their antioxidant content can increase by up to 600 percent!

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamins
-Anthocyanins
-Minerals

CAN HELP
-Aging-related conditions
-Gastrointestinal health

PRUNES AND OSTEOPOROSIS
Researchers from Okalahoma State University recently found that prunes may prevent and/or reverse bone loss due to menopause.  The findings, published in the journal Menopause, suggest that dried plums can actually reverse a particular process of osteoporosis previously thought to be irreversible.

7.  PURPLE GRAPES
Studies involving the antioxidant properties of purple grapes substantiate their long-held reputation for improving health.  Grapes contain resveratrol, the potent antioxidant found in red wine and other grape products.  The high flavanoid content of purple grape juice can protect the body from cardiovascular disease.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Resveratrol
-Flavanoids
-Proanthocyanins

CAN HELP
-Aging
-Cardiovascular problems
-Eye problems

GRAPES AND FREE RADICAL DAMAGE
A recent study from Greek researchers proves once again that grapes provide an array of protective powers, mainly through their antioxidant abilities.  The study, published in Mutagenic Research, showed that extracts from the grapes can inhibit the formation of cancer cells by limiting the activity of certain types of free radicals.

8.  NASHI PEAR
The pear originates in Asia, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years.  Modern science suggests that its antioxidant and phytonutrient profile may help with heart disease.  Nashi pear also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.  Research has also shown that nashi pear may be useful in treating digestive and urinary problems including constipation, because of its cleansing effects.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Dietary fiber
-B vitamins
-Vitamin C

CAN HELP
-Red blood cell production
-Gastrointestinal health

9.  WOLFBERRY (GOJI)
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, (LBP), enables wolfberry to protect and repair cellur DNA.  Wolfberry also provides 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals.  Like acai, wolfberry is also known for aiding sexual health.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-LBP
-Amino acids
-Minerals
-Vitamins

CAN HELP
-Damaged DNA
-Sexual Dysfunction

WOLFBERRY AND CANCER
A study from a 2006 issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that wolfberry extracts may be able to inhibit the proliferation and induce the self-destruct mechanism (apoptosis) of certain types of liver cancer cells.

10.  POMEGRANATE
The pomegranate is renowned for its nutritional properties.  Studies show that pomegranate juice is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, containing an extremely high level of polyphenols and other free radical-fighting agents.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Polyphenols
-Vitamins
-Anthocyanins

CAN HELP
-Arteriosclerosis
-Heart Disease
-Diabetes

POMEGRANATE AND COLON CANCER
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that “the polyphenolics in pomegranate can play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory cell signaling in colon cancer cells.

11.  WHTE GRAPE
Like purple grapes, white grapes are a great source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C.  It is also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help protect against heart disease and gastrointestinal complaints.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamin C
-Dietary fiber

CAN HELP
-Gastrointestinal Health
-Antioxidant protection

12.  ARONIA BERRY
Aronia berry’s benefits stem from its powerful antioxidant properties.  It contains high amounts of proanthocyanins and quinic acid (ten times more than cranberries).  Quenic acid prevents urinary infection.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Polyphenols
-Anthocyanins
-Quinic acid
-Vitamins
-Minerals
-Flavanols

CAN HELP
-Inflammation
-Diabetes
-Circulatory problems

ARONIA BERRY AND CANCER
A 2006 study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland demonstrated that aronia berry may provide protection against colon cancer.  The findings, published in Nutrition and Cancer, suggest that the anthocyanin-rich aronia berry inhibits the activity of colon cancer cells through several mechanisms

13.  APRICOTS
Apricots, with their brightly pigmented, velvety-orange skin, are prized for their antioxidant properties and are packed with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.  These nutrients contribute to overall health and protection of the heart and eye.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Beta-carotene and Vitamin A
-Vitamin C
-Potassium
-Fiber

CAN HELP
-Heart Disease
-Eye problems
-Stroke

APRICOT AND FREE RADICAL DAMAGE
A 2005 study conducted by researchers from Spain suggests that apricots represent a terrific source of dietary antioxidant compounds.  The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, identified several known antioxidants in the fruits, including cyanidin-3-glucoside.

14.  LYCHEE FRUIT
This tropical fruit from South China is gaining popularity as a culinary treat in the United States, but its health benefits are also impressive.  The low-calorie fruit has more Vitamin C than citrus fruits, as much fiber as an apple and potassium levels comparable to a banana.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamin C
-Potassium
-Dietary fiber

CAN HELP
-Gastrointestinal Health
-Overall wellness

LYCHEE AND BREAST CANCER
A Chinese team recently discovered that the lychee fruit may provide impressive anti-breast cancer properties.  The study, published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, shows that the delicious fruit inhibits the formation and progression of breast cancer through several mechanisms, including apoptosis.

15.  BLUEBERRRY
Blueberries consistently rank very high in antioxidant activity when compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables.  Blueberry’s anthocyanins are the chemicals responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are linked to numerous health benefits.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Anthocyanins
-Vitamins
-Minerals

CAN HELP
-Heart Disease
-Memory loss
-Urinary Tract Infections

BLUEBERRIES AND MENTAL FUNCTION
A June 2006 study, published in Pharmacology and Biochemical Behavior, demonstrated that supplementation with blueberries improved performance on memory tasks in mice and has a protective effect on DNA damage, likely due to the antioxidant activity of the berry’s polyphenols.

16.  KIWI FRUIT
Researchers are fascinated by the kiwi’s ability to literally protect cell DNA from oxidant-related damage and protection of cardiovascular health.  Kiwi fruit also provides ample amounts of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin c, trace minerals and dietary fiber.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamins
-Minerals
-Dietary fiber

CAN HELP
-DNA damage
-Eye problems
-Cardiovascular conditions

17.  BILBERRY
Bilberry possesses impressive antioxidant properties and is historically linked to eye health.  Studies indicate that bilberry, with its abundance of antioxidants, may also be effective in protecting the body against carcinogens and free radicals.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Anthocyanins
-Flavanoids
-Resveratrol

CAN HELP
-Heart Attack and Stroke
-Eye Problems
-Arthritis
-Diabetes
-Diarrhea and dysentery

BILBERRY AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES/PARKINSON’S DISEASE
A Canadian research team published findings from a 2006 study suggesting that bilberry, a close cousin to the blueberry, may be able to prevent and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s), mainly due to its antioxidant components. 

18.  ACEROLA CHERRY
Historically, acerola cherry has been used to treat dysentery and fever.  Modern research suggests it does possess both anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which would explain its use for dysentery.  It is rich in several nutrients, especially in Vitamin C.  Over 150 phytonutrients have been identified in the acerola cherry.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamin C
-Potassium, magnesium and other minerals

CAN HELP
-Immune function
-Dysentery and diarrhea

19.  PASSION FRUIT
Passion fruit is recognized as a remedy for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.  It is also used in traditional medicine for urinary tract infections.  Vitamin C, potassium and other relaxing agents may also help asthma or spasmodic coughing conditions.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
-Vitamins
-Minerals
-Fiber

CAN HELP
-Urinary Tract Infection
-Anxiety
-Insomnia
-Asthma

PASSION FRUIT AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
A recent study from Brazil suggests that passion fruit can fight chronic inflammation, which is increasingly being linked to more diseases.  The study, published in a 2006 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found several mechanisms appear to be responsible for passion fruit’s anti-inflammatory effects.