Fruit

Much of the tempting imported fruit we see on supermarket shelves has already lost much of its goodness by the time it arrives. 

So PG's advice is - only buy organic fruit which has arrived on the shelves as quickly as possible. Only buy fruits that are in season. During the summer months there is a 'glut' of readily available fruits, make the most by freezing, drying or bottling them to use at a later date. Another route is to use an organic vegetable and fruit box company.  Their principles are very similar to that of the Phyto Diet so you can ensure that all the fruit they offer you is totally organic and as fresh as can be.

Fruit gives us fibre, vital vitamins and natural sugars.  It is a wonderful natural answer to between meal hunger pangs. Fruits contain various Phytochemicals which are essential for proper long term cellular health and prevention of disease. I would say, fruits are amazing!!!!

The darker the fruit the more antioxidants they contain - Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Strawberries. Strawberries and Raspberries contain flavonoids which help to slow down the ageing process and are excellent for female reproductive health. Most fruits contain Vitamin C which is of essential benefit for our bodies to carry out their function.

Although lemons and limes may not be what you would chose for an afternoon snack, we must consider them as powerhouses when we want to bring out the flavour of other foods. Like most of the fruits and vegetables featured on our website lemons and limes contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. All citrus fruits are full of vitamin C. Oranges too make the perfect snack; it is no wonder why they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Vitamin C is vital for the proper function of the immune system. 

Grapefruits are a rich source of vitamin C. Eating 2 or 3 per week provides ample vitamin C as well as being a good additional source of fibre to lower cholesterol.

We all know the well known saying about an apple a day - this holds true as apples contain pectin which helps remove lead from the digestive tract - important for those who live in traffic saturated urban areas. Apples also stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.

Avocados are know as the 'perfect fruit' because they contain all the antioxidant vitamins and are particularly high in Vitamin E which is the most protective nutrient for the heart.

Olives are an amazing little fruit!! They are harvested in September but available all year round to make a 'zesty' addition to salads, meat and poultry dishes and, of course, pizza. Olives cannot be eaten right off the tree - they require special processing to reduce their bitterness. Some olives are picked green and unripe, while others are allowed to fully ripen on the tree to a black colour. However, not all black olives begin with a black colour!! Olives are concentrated in monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is the body's primary fat soluble antioxidant. Olive Oil is made by crushing and then subsequent pressing of olives. Pure, extra virgin Olive oil is not only a light delicate addition to many dishes, it is one of the most health promoting types of oil available. PG recommends using Olive oil all the time.

Of course there are many recipes for cooked fruit, but PG's advice is - eat your fruit in its natural state. The less you cook fruit the more phytonutrients they contain, the better the flavour and it is best for your digestive system.

 Why not try my Immune Boosting Smoothie: just liquidise 3oz. each of fresh or frozen, Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries together with 1/2pt Soy milk and 1 teaspoon of Sesame seeds - you can always add some honey if you find it is not sweet enough -  great for the winter months to ward off colds!!