The Role of Fruit Bearing Plants and Fruit in Health

Research is finding out that generous intake of some foods such as fruit might cut down the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and a large number of other chronic diseases.

Preliminary evidence of research indicates that some elements in fruit including phytochemicals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids (EFA's) might play an important function in lessening the risk of developing such disease but in addition strengthen human bodily systems and organs; for example omega-3 fatty acid importance in brain development and health.

Phytochemicals are chemicals found in fruiting plants (in every plant) that protect them against fungi, bacteria and viruses. Consuming plenty of bright colored fruits and veggies (yellow, orange, red, green, white, blue, purple), whole grains/cereals, and beans that contain various phytochemicals may act as antioxidants or nutrient protectors. Such Phytochemicals include:

1. Anthocyanins are found in red and blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries.

2. Biflavonoids are found in oranges and other citrus fruits.

3. Carotenoids are found in dark-skinned yellow, orange, red fruits such as tomatoes, oranges, pink grapefruit, and watermelon.

4. Lycopene is found mainly in tomatoes and tomato products.

5. Phenolics are found in citrus fruits, raisins, fruit juices and in dried and fresh plums.

Antioxidants are substances that suppress the oxidation process and work as protective agents. They protect our physical structure from the destructive forces of free radicals (by-products of the body’s normal chemical processes and environmental pollutants that enter the body).

1. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) found in all fruits in different amounts

2. Beta carotene (Pro-vitamin A) found in dark yellow, orange, red fruits

3. Vitamin E found in avocados, mangos, tomatoes and olives

Essential fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3, are essential for the establishment of healthy cell membranes, the correct development and operating of the brain and nervous system, and for the production of hormone-like substances.

1. alpha-linolenic

2.eicosapentaenoic acid

3.docosahexaenoic acid

Fruit bearing plants such as Berries and Black Currants are good sources of EFA's