FRUIT FIGHTING FIT

Fruit is excellent for you, in moderation like everything else. Don't be scared of the amount of fructose in fruit! Our tip is to just make sure that you are eating more servings of vegetables than fruit each day. Below we give you the low down on our favourite summer fruits and some tips for keeping them fresh as long as possible. 

Mango

How could mango not make the list? It is a Queensland summer staple. Freeze mangoes to enjoy all year round by removing the peel when they are ripe and wrapping each mango cheek into glad wrap and placing in the freezer. 

Did you know: consuming as little as 100g of fresh mango a day for 12 weeks has been linked to decreasing blood sugar levels. 

Cherries 

This little stone fruits need to be stored unwashed in an airtight container in the fridge, as water lessens their lifespan. Pick plump, firm cherries with green stems to make sure they last as long as possible. 

Did you know: Eating a few cherries on a regular basis can lower your risk of gout by 35%. 

Blueberries

This fruit is one of my favourites as its health properties are endless. Blueberries assist in protecting the body against heart disease and diabetes, are ridiculously high in antioxidants (antioxidants help prevent free radicals (oxygen particles) from destroying or affecting cells) and they also contain elements that block the development of fat cells. 

Did you know: Baking or boiling blueberries does not reduce their high antioxidant content, but microwaving them does. If blueberries are placed in a microwave for just five minutes they lose almost all of their health benefits. Don't do it! 

Watermelon

People in the fitness industry love watermelon, as the juice of this fruit can assist in the body bouncing back after a tough workout. This is because this melon is full of the amino acid l-citrulline which fights hard to lessen muscle soreness after exercise. In addition, some L-citrulline from watermelon is converted into l-arginine in the body, which is another amino acid that regulates blood pressure. 

Did you know: Food-saftey experts advise that you clean the rind of a watermelon very thoroughly before eating the flesh of the fruit, even if you are not planning to consume the rind. 

Figs

I see more and more recipes that contain figs every day. Studies show that consuming figs on a regular basis is linked to a healthier and more balanced digestive system. 

Did you know: the colour of a fig can be used to determine how ripe it is. Ripen fresh figs at room temperature and do not eat until they have completely lost their green colouring. The colour change from green to purple is directly related to the fig's antioxidant content increasing. 

x Emily 

Information found in February's 'Good Health' magazine. Picture by nzgirl.co