Fruit power

Bananas

This fruit can help depression, and also has beneficial effects on digestion and ulcers.

"Perhaps the ultimate fast food, bananas are understandably one of the most popular energy boosters," Savona says. "They also contain tryptophan which the body can convert to serotonin - a hormone that helps lift moods and promote sleep.

"The pectin fibre helps soothe heartburn, ulcers or inflammation in the digestive tract, and to lower cholesterol.

Fact: A study carried out by mental health charity MIND found that eating just one banana made people with mild depression feel better.

Eat: Take one fresh, preferably not too ripe, banana a day to help stave off the blues and aid concentration.

Blueberries

May be beneficial for the eyes, brain and strengthening the veins and arteries, helping circulation. They may also help lower cholesterol and protect against cancer.

"Studies have shown that blueberries can help to improve brain function and the eyes, helping night vision and protecting against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma," Savona says.

Fact: A wild blueberry from Patagonia contains up to 11 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries, research has found, and has been proven to have beneficial effects on those at a greater risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and varicose veins.

Eat: Enjoy fresh blueberries daily. Travellers concerned about DVT could take Zinopin Daily, containing the Patagonia blueberry.

Kiwifruit

These could help blood pressure and digestion and may reduce asthma symptoms in children.

Savona says, "Scientists have found that eating two or three kiwifruit a day helps reduce blood clotting and therefore stroke potential, as well as blood fats. They're also good for balancing out your salt intake to keep your blood pressure right.

"Kiwifruit contain twice as much Vitamin C as oranges, more fibre than apples and as much Vitamin E as an avocado.

Fact: Children eating the most citrus and kiwi fruit (five to seven servings per week) had 44% less incidence of asthma wheezing compared to children eating the least (less than once a week), a recent study found.

Eat: Have your recommended five to seven servings a week. Some people, particularly children, can have an allergic reaction to kiwifruit, especially the skin.

Pineapple

This fruit could be beneficial for arthritis and joint pain.

"Pineapple can help relieve the swelling linked to arthritis and sore throats, as well as injuries or operations.

"It's rich in an enzyme called bromelain, which appears to thin mucus so it's useful for helping bronchitis, asthma and sinus problems. It can also help reduce the stickiness of blood, and has been shown to relieve angina and thrombosis," Savona says.

Fact: In clinical trials, bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in conditions such as arthritis and gout, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery.

Eat: It will aid digestion when eaten with a meal, but for reducing inflammation, eat fresh pineapple between meals.

Tomatoes

Hailed as a natural weapon in the fight against cancer, tomatoes are particularly beneficial to men, protecting against prostate cancer and boosting sperm production.

"These are one of the most commonly eaten wonderfoods," Savona says. "Tomatoes contain a nutrient called lycopene which protects against cancer and guards the skin and eyes from sun damage." The rich Vitamin C and potassium content of tomatoes also helps combat cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants in tomatoes may trigger joint pain in arthritis sufferers.

Fact: Researchers at the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, found that tomatoes contain a unique chemical which thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots and DVT.

Eat: Lycopene in tomatoes is absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The Sirco range of fruit drinks now contain Fruitflow, the patented

Courtesy from AOL