77 Ingredients

This ingredient can be found in: Pop A Purple

The American Dietetic Association has opined that a properly planned vegetarian diet including high intake of fruits and vegetables is beneficial in the prevention of many chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and numerous phytochemicals that result in lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and prevention of diabetes.¹ Further, antioxidant nutrients available from fruits can be beneficial in preventing stroke and other related conditions.² A variety of fruits are consumed all over the world and these fruits are known to contain a multitude of nutritional substances which provide better health and prevents numerous disorders.

Apples

The consumption of apples reduces the risk of cancers, heart disorders, asthma and diabetes. These beneficial effects of apples have been attributed to the high levels of phytochemicals that exert a positive effect on the health.³ Laboratory studies have revealed that apples contain nutrients or phytochemicals that display high antioxidant activities. It was also noted in these studies that the phytochemicals present in apples were effective in reducing the cholesterol levels and inhibiting the progression of cancer cells. Some of the phytochemicals that have been identified in apples include catechin, quercetin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid.⁴

The cancer protective ability of apples was noted to be a result of varied effects on the cancer cells which includes regulation of the cell growth, inhibition of the signals required for the progression of cancer cells, anti-inflammatory mechanism, and induction of cell death.⁵ Along with the fruit pulp, apple peels were also noted to have a preventive effect on the occurrence of various chronic disorders. Apple peels had significant amounts of antioxidant molecules and were noted to prevent the progression of cancer in the liver cells. ⁶

Apricots

Apricots are a rich source of vitamins A and C along with other phytochemicals that may have numerous beneficial effects on general health. Fruits such as apricots are also a good source of antioxidants. Regular consumption of apricot along with other fruits and vegetables can provide the body with a significant amount of antioxidants that help the body to be fit enough to avoid disorders associated with increased activity of free radicals.⁷

An animal study noted that the consumption of flesh of apricots significantly reduced the incidence of damage to kidneys associated with the use of anticancer drugs. This beneficial effect was attributed to the control of nitrogen and creatinine levels in the blood of individuals consuming anticancer drugs on a regular basis.⁸ A type of Japanese apricot was noted to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the liver. This type of apricot contained a substance identified as MK615 that inhibited the growth of cancer cells by either slowing down the progression of cancer cells or by killing it.⁹

Cherry

Cherries, a part of the rosacea family, is a general term that encompasses a variety of cherries found all over the world. These small fruits are said to be rich in antioxidants and other phytochemicals. One of the phytochemicals belonging to the group of acanthocyanins was noted to suppress the amount of inflammation and swelling to a significant extent in a animal study. Consumption of fruits such as cherries that are rich in antioxidants were noted to reduce the amount of oxidative stress generated during the digestion of foods consumed during a meal.¹⁰

The dried extracts of some types of cherries suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon and hence were considered to have anticancer effects in the human colon.¹¹ Another study noted that  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cherries reduced the amount of muscle damage and related pain following heavy exercise.¹² Further studies are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cherries in prevention of different disorders including cancer.

Grapes

Grapes and grape products are widely popular both for their taste and also for their health benefits. Grapes are known to contain a wide variety of phytochemicals that prevent the occurrence of numerous disorders including cancer along with reducing the effects of aging.¹³ One of the major phytochemicals that is commonly referred to in different studies is a compound known as resveratrol. This compound is believed to have anticancer and antioxidant effects. Along with these it is also beneficial in thinning of blood and extension of life.¹⁴

A study conducted to evaluate the benefits of resveratrol on bone health revealed that it effectively reduced the incidence of disc degeneration by suppressing the molecules responsible for the cell death and other associated changes in the bones of the spine.¹⁵ Apart from the fruit, grape seeds were also noted to have beneficial effects. A study about colon cancer reported that administration of grape seed extract significantly reduced the incidence of colon cancer.¹⁶

Mango

Mangoes are considered as one of the tastiest fruits across Asia. Detailed studies about its properties have revealed that this fruit contains high amount of nutrients with a variety of benefits on general health. Mangoes are rich in various bioactive compounds which have health promoting properties. The phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids present in high quantities in mango make it a potent antioxidant with numerous other benefits such as prevention of cancer, reduced progression of cancer cells, cell protection and others.

Mango peels are also noted to contain significant amount of these phytochemicals. Along with these nutrients mango also adds a high amount of fibre to the diet.¹⁷ Many processes that occur at cell levels are responsible for the occurrence of disorders in our body. It was noted that the active components of mango such as quercetin and mangiferin effectively suppressed the harmful activities thereby reducing the incidence of many disorders.¹⁸

Papaya

Papaya fruits contain rich amounts of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Other vitamins such as A, E and K are also present in significant quantities. The presence of these vitamins and other nutrients confer the antioxidant properties to the fruit which helps in the prevention of a number of disorders. Papaya extracts were noted to have excellent wound healing properties in an animal study wherein gastric ulcers showed enhanced healing following administration of papaya extracts.¹⁹

Another study on Peruvian fruits noted that papaya was one among the different fruits that was effective against conditions such as leishmaniasis and malaria. The anti-parasitic activities of papaya fruit may be beneficial in the prevention of such disorders.²⁰ Papaya is being considered as one of the potential sources of drug development. Drugs that are being manufactured to act against free radical induced disorders may contain rich amounts of papaya extracts as one of their major constituents.²¹

Pear

Pear fruits are available in different varieties and are known to have numerous compounds that exert a variety of beneficial effects. The presence of vitamin C and other pigments that have antioxidant properties is well proven. The supplementation of cactus pear in humans was noted to reduce the oxidative stress related effects on the body. It was also noted that the oxidative damage to different fatty acids were reduced to a significant extent. Additionally the antioxidant levels in the body were also raised to a significant level.²²

Another study conducted to measure the anticancer effects of cactus pear reported that pear contained certain compounds known as polysaccharides which inhibited the growth of cancer cells, increased antioxidant levels in the body and also promoted immune function.²³ Prickly pears were another variety of pear noted to have antioxidant abilities wherein the antioxidant activity was attributed to the presence of compounds known as betalains. ²⁴ Further studies are on to determine the other beneficial properties of pear.

Pineapple

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) has been mainly used across the world both for its nutritional properties and for its medicinal value. As a medicine, pineapple has been used for its digestive, anti cancer and skin healing effects. Further it has also been used in the formulation of vaccines. The skin healing effect is especially noted in cases of burn wounds wherein it helps in debridement of the burn wounds.

Bromelaine is one of the factors noted in pineapple that is responsible for its anticancer property. This factor effectively prevents the spread of cancer to different parts of the body.²⁵ Bromelaine was also noted to benefit children suffering from acute sinusitis in a study conducted in Germany. The administration of bromelaine obtained from pineapple in children suffering from acute sinusitis significantly reduced the recovery time. The study thus concluded that administration of bromelaine obtained from pineapple can aid in faster recovery from conditions such as acute sinusitis. ²⁶

Watermelon

Watermelon is available mostly during the summer season and appropriately provides the body with enough fluids during the hot summer months. It also has several medicinal properties which has increased its consumption. One of the beneficial components of watermelon is the precursor of an aminoacid known as arginine. An animal study conducted to note the benefits of watermelon in diabetes revealed that administration of watermelon juice significantly increased arginine concentrations, reduced accumulation of fat, improved blood glucose control and improved the functions of the blood vessels.²⁷ This study proves the benefits of watermelon and paves way for further research in humans to identify the benefits of watermelon juice in diabetic individuals.

he amino acid arginine plays a vital role in the functioning of the heart and the immune system in our body. Human studies have concluded that the arginine levels are significantly increased following regular consumption of watermelon in humans.²⁸ This may lead to improved status of the heart and also better ability to resist infectious disorders.

References

1. Craig WJ, Mangels AR; American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Jul;109(7):1266-82.
2. Sánchez-Moreno C, Jiménez-Escrig A, Martín A. Stroke: roles of B vitamins, homocysteine and antioxidants. Nutr Res Rev. 2009 Jun;22(1):49-67.
3. Soler C, Soriano JM, Mañes J. Apple-products phytochemicals and processing: a review. Nat Prod Commun. 2009 May;4(5):659-70.
4. Boyer J, Liu RH. Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutr J. 2004 May 12;3:5.
5. Gerhauser C. Cancer chemopreventive potential of apples, apple juice, and apple components. Planta Med. 2008 Oct;74(13):1608-24. Epub 2008 Oct 14.
6. Wolfe KL, Liu RH. Apple peels as a value-added food ingredient. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Mar 12;51(6):1676-83.
7. Cilla A, De Palma G, Lagarda MJ, et al. Impact of fruit beverage consumption on the antioxidant status in healthy women. Ann Nutr Metab. 2009;54(1):35-42. Epub 2009 Feb 27.
8. Lee CK, Park KK, Hwang JK, Lee SK, Chung WY. Extract of Prunus persica flesh (PPFE) improves chemotherapeutic efficacy and protects against nephrotoxicity in cisplatin-treated mice. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):999-1005.
9. Okada T, Sawada T, Osawa T, Adachi M, Kubota K. A novel anti-cancer substance, MK615, from ume, a variety of Japanese apricot, inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing Aurora A kinase activity. Hepatogastroenterology. 2007 Sep;54(78):1770-4.
10. Prior RL, Gu L, Wu X, Jacob RA, Sotoudeh G, Kader AA, Cook RA. Plasma antioxidant capacity changes following a meal as a measure of the ability of a food to alter in vivo antioxidant status. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Apr;26(2):170-81.
11. Fujii T, Ikami T, Xu JW, Ikeda K. Prune extract (Prunus domestica L.) suppresses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of human colon carcinoma Caco-2. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2006 Oct;52(5):389-91.
12. Connolly DA, McHugh MP, Padilla-Zakour OI, Carlson L, Sayers SP. Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Aug;40(8):679-83; discussion 683. Epub 2006 Jun 21.
13. Iriti M, Faoro F. Bioactivity of grape chemicals for human health. Nat Prod Commun. 2009 May;4(5):611-34.
14. Han J, Liu W, Bi Y. Advances in resveratrol studies. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2008 Nov;24(11):1851-9.
15. Li X, Phillips FM, An HS, Ellman M, Thonar EJ, Wu W, Park D, Im HJ. The action of resveratrol, a phytoestrogen found in grapes, on the intervertebral disc. Spine. 2008 Nov 15;33(24):2586-95.
16. Kaur M, Mandair R, Agarwal R, Agarwal C. Grape seed extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells. Nutr Cancer. 2008;60 Suppl 1:2-11.
17. Ajila CM, Prasada Rao UJ. Protection against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes by Mangifera indica L. peel extract. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Jan;46(1):303-9. Epub 2007 Aug 23.
18. Wilkinson AS, Monteith GR, Shaw PN, Lin CN, Gidley MJ, Roberts-Thomson SJ. Effects of the mango components mangiferin and quercetin and the putative mangiferin metabolite norathyriol on the transactivation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 May 14;56(9):3037-42. Epub 2008 Apr 5.
19. Gomes FS, de V Spínola C, Ribeiro HA, Lopes MT, Cassali GD, Salas CE. Wound-healing activity of a proteolytic fraction from Carica candamarcensis on experimentally induced burn. Burns. 2009 Jul 2. [Epub ahead of print]
20. Valadeau C, Pabon A, Deharo E, Albán-Castillo J, et al. Medicinal plants from the Yanesha (Peru): evaluation of the leishmanicidal and antimalarial activity of selected extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun 25;123(3):413-22.
21. Hasani-Ranjbar S, Larijani B, Abdollahi M. A systematic review of the potential herbal sources of future drugs effective in oxidant-related diseases. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2009 Mar;8(1):2-10.
22. Tesoriere L, Butera D, Pintaudi AM, Allegra M, Livrea MA. Supplementation with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit decreases oxidative stress in healthy humans: a comparative study with vitamin C. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;80(2):391-5.
23. Liang BB, Liu HG, Cao JT. Antitumor effect of polysaccharides from cactus pear fruit in S180-bearing mice. Ai Zheng. 2008 Jun;27(6):580-4.
24. Butera D, Tesoriere L, Di Gaudio F, Bongiorno A, et al. Antioxidant activities of sicilian prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruit extracts and reducing properties of its betalains: betanin and indicaxanthin. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Nov 6;50(23):6895-901.
25. Báez R, Lopes MT, Salas CE, Hernández M. In vivo antitumoral activity of stem pineapple (Ananas comosus) bromelain. Planta Med. 2007 Oct;73(13):1377-83. Epub 2007 Sep 24.
26. Braun JM, Schneider B, Beuth HJ. Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo. 2005 Mar-Apr;19(2):417-21.
27. Wu G, Collins JK, Perkins-Veazie P, Siddiq M, et al. Dietary supplementation with watermelon pomace juice enhances arginine availability and ameliorates the metabolic syndrome in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. J Nutr. 2007 Dec;137(12):2680-5.
28. Collins JK, Wu G, Perkins-Veazie P, Spears K, Claypool PL, Baker RA, Clevidence BA. Watermelon consumption increases plasma arginine concentrations in adults. Nutrition. 2007 Mar;23(3):261-6.