The Benefits of Tropical Fruit

If we choose the right foods, we can live longer, healthier lives. When we think of eating healthily, most of us automatically think of fruits and vegetables. While it is very true that fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals beneficial for our bodies, some may be better than others. Some fruits that are very high in vitamins and minerals are tropical fruits. Some of the most beneficial tropical fruits are avocados, papayas, and acai berries, which we will review in the following paragraphs.

First, we will look at the avocado. Avocados have been known to lower total cholesterol levels, despite their high fat content. This is because the fat found in avocados is monounsaturated fat, which is the heart-healthy fat that we find in olive oil. Avocados are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Research has shown that they contain sixty percent more potassium that bananas. They are also rich in carotenoids, an antioxidant that improves eye and artery health. Avocados make a tasty addition to any salad or sandwich.

We will now examine the benefits of papaya. Papayas are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and an enzyme called papain, which promotes digestive health. Papayas act as an anti-inflammatory. They do much to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Papayas are a good source of fiber and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Because of its richness in vitamin A, papayas can promote lung health. This fruit is often eaten fresh, frozen, or dried.

Finally, we shall see what acai berries can do for the betterment of our health. Acai berries will often boost energy levels a few hours after consumption. They are well-known for being extremely rich in antioxidants. They are particularly abundant in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that protects the heart and prevents cell damage. Many popular juices boast a blend of acai berries and other fruits, but there is actually only a small amount of these berries found in the juices. It is best to eat the fruit itself, rather than going for the more convenient juice.

After a brief review, we now see that eating tropical fruits such as avocados, papayas, and acai berries comes with huge benefits. Avocados are a good source of vitamins, fiber, potassium, and carotenoid, an antioxidant that improves eye and artery health. Vitamins A, C, E, and the enzyme papain, which promotes digestive health, are found in papayas. Acai berries are an antioxidant rich super-food that can boost energy, protect the heart, and prevent cell damage. Why not go to the supermarket and buy some avocados for your salad today?

 

~Better Eating

Veggies or Fruits or Both?

The question is phrased above. Should we eat vegetable, or fruits, or both? The answer is both. However, more of your diet should be vegetables than fruits. Put aside the fact that fruits are good for you, and what do you have? A whole lot of sugar. Vegetables, on the other hand, have no sugar, and they are also good for you. So you tell me what you would think is better to have more of; pretty obvious choice, I hope. However, the fact that fruits are full of natural sugar can be a good thing. When you get a sugar craving, instead of grabbing a candy bar or a slice of cake, grab a fruit! Juicy, delicious, and sweet; it will satisfy all your cravings!

Better Eating

Following the trend?

Yuuummy! How many times do you think you’ve said that in your life? Thinking back, you probably never thought that when there was a plate of spinach in front of you! Or, rather, brussel sprouts! Yet, believe it or not, we tend to follow the trend when we eat. Veggies are not the trend. McDonalds makes more sense, is what the “trend setters” say. It’s basically stereotyping veggies. Still don’t understand? Let me tell you a story.

I used to absolutely hate brussel sprouts. And I mean hate. And you know what? I’d never even tried them! But put a plate in front of me and I’d walk away. One day, I went to a buffet with my parents. My mom convinced me to try a sprout (she loves them). And they were good! I was totally surprised. Everywhere you go, you hear people say “EW! BRUSSEL SPROUTS?!” but once again, it’s merely a stereotype. What’s up with that?

Are we going to follow the trend? You could be missing out on a lot! So don’t be afraid to go against the crowd; there are other people doing the same thing, everyday with you!

–Better Eating

Why it matters

Some people may ask “Why does being healthy and exercising matter? It’s so much work!”. Yes, it is a bit of work, but anything worth doing is worth putting an effort into! In the beginning, it will be hard to avoid everything you used to eat, but it will be worth it! You’ll not only feel better, you’ll actually be better. The reason I say this is, after a big meal at McDonalds or Burger King (etc.), you’ll feel good and full, but the meal you just ate didn’t do anything good for you. In fact, it probably hurt it. You might say, “Hey, it’s just one!” but we all know how hard it is to resist temptation! Plus, just that one will make a difference in your body, whether you know it or not. Sure, it’s not as bad as five or more, but it’s still one.

It matters; a lot. It might not be visible to us now, but it will in the future. Is it worth having an unhealthy body, just because you wanted one more Big Mac, or didn’t care whether you got organic or not? I hope you don’t think it is, cause it’s not.

–Better Eating

Green for pets

Green for pets! Who says greens aren’t good for everyone? Now, there are some veggies that are bad for your pets (such as avocados, which, unfortunately, my cat loves) but greens will have the same good effect on your pet that it will on us humans!

Getting your pet to eat green shouldn’t be too hard. You could grow some wheatgrass for your pet, so he can eat it fresh. You can also make your pet a smoothie! Feel free to put in anything you want; do some research first on the foods you shouldn’t feed your pet. Always remember to put a couple capsules of fish oil in; they love it, and it’s good for them!

So what are you waiting for? Go green for pets!

–Better Eating

Green Foods; they rock!

Some people will take a look at a vegetable and say “Yuck!”. I don’t blame them. Honestly, there are some vegetables that I refuse to eat, but I found that certain veggies make great tasting meals or smoothies.

Eating green might be hard at first. You might have a automatic reaction to it; a “no eat” reaction. But there are several motivations for eating green. One is the amazing impact it will have on your life. I’m not saying that you force down one drink and you’ll be healthy forever; it will take time. But change will happen. Think of a Big Mac and a smoothie made with fruits and veggies (organic, preferably). Now, I know you will probably already be reaching for the Big Mac in your mind, but is that really the right choice? Imagine the effect that the fat, hydrogenated stuff, and who knows what will have on your life. You might think, “Hey, it’s just one; I’m stopping now!” but, unfortunately, it doesn’t work that.

Another motivation: eating organic greens. Do you care about the planet? Organic farmer don’t use any harmful pesticides, which harm…everything. Don’t really care, or maybe you’re somewhere in-between? Once again, no harmful pesticides, which harm everything, including you. If you ask me, that’s a big motivation.

Green foods. They’re totally worth it.

–Better Eating