Restores hydration, which can be particularly important in the morning when you’ve been without water for over seven hours.
Restores pH balance to your blood. It’s very alkaline which is important to optimal health.
Great for the gut because it balances stomach acid. It restores the balance of hydrochloric acid in the body which is important for gut health. As we age, hydrochloric acid in the stomach is reduced, making it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.
Anti-cancer benefits. It contains apigenin and luteolin, two very powerful anti-cancer flavonoids.
Contains a compound called pthalides, which relaxes the artery walls. As a result, it’s beneficial for reducing cardiovascular disease.
It’s a diuretic, which makes it really good for cleansing the system and for weight loss. It also helps with de-puffing throughout the body, especially reducing under eye bags.
It contains natural salts which are great for restoring electrolyte balance post-workout.
Great for digestion, helps in particular with constipation.
Reduces inflammation. The flavonoid luteolin controls inflammation throughout the body.
Cleanses the liver.
It contains anti-aging flavonoids which stave off wrinkles.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water and several important vitamins and minerals. Eating cucumbers with the peel provides the maximum amount of nutrients.
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, which may increase hydration and help you meet your daily fluid needs.
Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.
Test-tube and animal studies show that cucumber may help lower blood sugar and prevent diabetes-related complications, although additional research is needed.
Cucumbers contain a good amount of fiber and water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity.
Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack or used to add flavor in a variety of dishes.
Kale
Kale is very high in nutrients and very low in calories, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
Many powerful antioxidants are found in kale, including quercetin and kaempferol, which have numerous beneficial effects on health.
Kale contains substances that bind bile acids and lower cholesterol levels in the body. Steamed kale is particularly effective.
Vitamin K is an important nutrient that is involved in blood clotting. A single cup of kale contains 7 times the RDA for vitamin K.
Kale contains substances that have been shown to help fight cancer in test-tube and animal studies, but the human evidence is mixed.
Kale is very high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body can turn into vitamin A.
Many important minerals are found in kale, some of which are generally lacking in the modern diet. These include calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that have been linked to a drastically reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. It’s also a great source of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body converts into vitamin A
Pumpkin contains the antioxidants alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and many others, which may protect your cells against damage by free radicals.
Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system. Its supply of vitamin E, iron and folate may strengthen your immunity as well.
Pumpkins’ high vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin contents may protect your eyes against sight loss, which becomes more common with age.
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients and yet has under 50 calories per cup (245 grams). This makes it a nutrient-dense food. It’s also a good source of fiber, which may suppress your appetite.
Pumpkins contain carotenoids, which function as antioxidants. These compounds are linked to lower risks of stomach, throat, pancreas and breast cancers.
Pumpkin is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which have been linked to heart health benefits.
Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock. It also contains vitamins C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help keep your skin strong and healthy.
Pumpkin, once sliced and cut, can be easily roasted, puréed into soup or baked into pies. Its seeds are also edible and highly nutritious.
Ochroes
Okra is rich in many nutrients and particularly high in vitamins C and K. This fruit is unique, as it provides protein, a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables lack.
Okra is rich in antioxidants that may reduce your risk of serious diseases, prevent inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Most notably, it contains polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health.
Animal research suggests that okra may bind to cholesterol in your gut and lower blood cholesterol levels. It’s also rich in polyphenols, which fight harmful inflammation and protect your heart.
Okra contains a protein called lectin, which is being studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment. More human research is needed.
Eating okra has been linked to blood sugar control.
Eating okra may help pregnant women meet their daily folate needs. Folate is important for preventing neural tube defects.
Okra can become slimy when cooked. To prevent this, follow the simple cooking methods above.
