Good For Health 10 Super Fruits Around Us

1. Pomegranate
   Also known as: Granada, buah Delima
   What it is: Has around 600 seeds that can range from white to deep red
   Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean Middle East
   Supposed benefits: Some studies suggest that the juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidants in green tea and red wine.
2. Kiwi
   Also known as: Chinese gooseberry
   What it is: Flesh can be bright green or golden.
   Where it grows: Can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer heat
   Supposed benefits: A single kiwi is said to supply more than the normal daily adult requirement of vitamin C.
3. Mangosteen
   Also known as: Manggis
   What it is: Has sweet-sour white flesh
   Where it grows: Primarily in countries with a hot, humid climate such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia
   Supposed benefits: Its rind contains xanthones, which are said to neutralise free radicals.
4. Goji (pronounced goh-gee)
   Also known as: Wolfberry
   What it is: Red berries that are usually found dried
   Where it grows: China, Mongolia and the Himalayas in Tibet
   Supposed benefits: It contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants to protect the retina of the eye.
5. Cranberry
   Also known as: Mossberry, fenberry
   What it is: Berries, 6 to 18mm in size, turn deep red when ripe.
   Where it grows: A major commercial crop in the United States and Canada
   Supposed benefits: It is used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.
6. Noni
   Also known as: Cheese fruit, ach, mengkudu
   What it is: Oval-shaped and prickly
   Where it grows: Native to South-east Asia but now grows in India and the Pacific islands
   Supposed benefits: The juice is said to be able to help reduce high blood pressure and relieve arthritic pain as it contains a high level of antioxidants.
7. Avocado
   Also known as: Palta, abacate
   What it is: Egg shaped, green-brown on the outside and green-yellow on the inside
   Where it grows: Long history of being cultivated in Central and South America
   Supposed benefits: It contains healthy monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
8. Seabuckthorn
   Also known as: Sandthorn, seaberry
   What it is: Soft and juicy orange berries, 6 to 9mm in diameter
   Where is grows: Native to Europe and Asia
   Supposed benefits: It is said to boost the immune system as it is rich in vitamin C.
9. Blueberry
   Also known as: Bleuet
   What it is: Indigo berries, 5 to 16mm in diameter
   Where it grows: Native to North America but also grown in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries
   Supposed benefits: It is said to be an anti-ageing superstar that is loaded with antioxidants to improve vision and brain function.
10. Acai (pronounced as-sa-E)
    Also known as: Cabbage palm berry
    What it is: A dark-blue berry that is similar in size to a grape
    Where it grows: South American rainforests
    Supposed benefits: Claims to have twice the antioxidants found in blueberries, as well as omega fatty acids, protein and fibre

This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on July 9, 2008 (Dari: 10 super fruits Mon, Jul 14, 2008, The Straits Times)