Apples - An apple a day actually can keep the doctor away.  An apple provides 4 of the 6 most important vitamins required by the human body to function and protect itself against disease.

Apricots – The Romans called them golden eggs of the sun.  Well known for promoting a long and healthy life.

Bananas - The high natural sugar content of a banana makes it an ideal energy boosting food, but that doesn’t make it a high calorie food – containing only around 100 calories.

Blackberries - Delicious juiced with apples and fresh mint.  Growing with wild abandon all around Bideford.

Blackcurrants - Richer in Vitamin C than any garden fruit and widely used for medicinal drinks.

Blueberries - Introduced by the Native Americans for whom they were a staple food, blueberries are high in Vitamins A and C and some believe they can help prevent Alzheimers and dementia.

Cherries - Contains plenty of potassium and no sodium so are excellent for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.  In folk medicine, cherries have long been used in the treatment of arthritis and gout.

Damsons - The smallest plum.  Better in pies than juices but they do make a lovely preserve.

Dates - Native to North Africa and Arabia, the Date Palm is mentioned many times in the Qur’an.  A great source of anti-oxidants which help boost the body’s natural defences against cancers. 

Figs - In ancient times, athletes were often fed entirely on a diet of figs for their instant energy giving properties and ability to prevent cramps.

Gooseberries - Since Tudor times, gooseberries have featured on English tables.  Why not visit the Great Gooseberry Contest in Yorkshire where you’ll find gooseberries grown to the size of hens eggs.

Grapes - For centuries, grape juice has been used to treat cancer and many other chronic illnesses.  It is rich in nutrients and high in energy and cleansing properties.  That’s why grapes make a good present when you visit someone in hospital.  (Ps. Wine doesn’t count!)

Grapefruit - Can aid weight loss, lower blood pressure, improve liver function, heal bruises, and ease arthritis.

Kiwi - Just one contains enough Vitamin C for our recommended daily intake, more fibre than an apple, and as much Vitamin E as an avocado!

Lemons - Sip straight to relieve sore throats, coughs, colds, catarrh, bronchitis, asthma and flu
.  It’s anti-bacterial action also helps fight the infection.

Loganberries - An accidental cross between a raspberry and blackberry in 1881 California.
 Sharp to the taste.  Eat with a lashing of honey or maple syrup.

Juice Recipe      

Dust off that wedding present juicer and try this health boosting drink for breakfast this week:-

½ Pink Grapefruit, peeled and quartered (leave the pith on, lots of goodness in there and it gives a lovely fluffy texture)

1 Kiwi, peeled and quartered

1 Apple (large) washed and quartered (no need to peel)

¼ Lemon

Place the kiwi and grapefruit in the juicer under the apples and squish.  Finish off with a big squeeze of fresh lemon, stir and garnish with a slice.  Full of Vitamin C and bug busting Vitamins.  Have a great day! 

More fruity facts from M to Z next month and look out for the Super Smoothie Recipe with your full five portions of fruit x     Alessia of the Energy Bar, Mill Street.