My top ten (10) favorite fruits

Fruits are important part of everyone's diet . For every meal, fruit serving is needed to get the enough amount of fiber for good digestion as well as the needed vitamins and minerals for good health. Research shows that eating fruits reduces the chance of having illnesses. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, eating fruits provide health benefits-people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of their diet are likely to have a reduce risk of some chronic disease. Fruits are my partner in weight management. Nothing compares to the natural goodness of fruits especially if it was grown organically.

Fruits are for everyone
(source: shutterstock.com)

Our country is blessed with good soil and  plenty of fruit-bearing trees. Most fruits are almost available throughout the year. If a fruit is in-season, it is commonly sold in low price. Therefore, there must be no excuse for us not to eat the available fruits in town. Lucky are those living in the provinces because the have greater access of buying seasoned fruits in low price.

I would like to share the top ten (10) of my favorite fruits according to my personal preference, availability and its popularity and usefulness. The following fruits are can be found our country.

10. Mango

(Mango photo source: mango.org )

Famous fruit in our country and can be found most regions. This is known to be the national fruit of the Philippines. This fruit is can be dried and some variety has export quality. My favorite is "supsupin", the sweet and small " variety. Green mangoes can be eaten with the famous "bagoong" (shrimp paste).

9. Tomato

(photo source: http://nature-razib.blogspot.com)

 Popular source of lycopene which is good for the heart. Enough source of lycopene in the body makes your skin healthy and glowing. This is a common side dish for fried or grilled fish. I love to blend this fruit and make a fresh pasta sauce for a healthy meal.

8. Buko (Young Coconut)

(Buko photo source: bubblews.com )

Buko or coconut water has a hydrating effects in the body. This is a natural energy drink. According to http://healthycurezone.blogspot.com   it is a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage that helps increase body's metabolism. I guess, this fruit is most popular during summer, though it is available throughout the year.


7. Dalandan

(photo source: pan-with-tan.livejournal.com )

 Aside form calamansi, this is one of the most common sources of vitamin C. . A good mix for iced tea, best source of vitamin C. Affordable and easy to juice. Best substitute for American lemon.

6. Bayabas (Guava)

(photo source: tl.kozzi.com )

Guava is my favorite ingredient for sinigang (Sinigang sa bayabas). The leaf is used in healing wounds and stops infection (natural antibiotic). It is rich in vitamin C but less acidic than lemon. According to www.stylecraze.com, it is rich in magnesium that serves as nervous relaxant.

5. Mangosteen

(photo source: tatnews.org )

Even this fruit is expensive, you can have a double benefit, because  after consuming the seeds, the skin is can be dried and turned into a natural health drink. This fruit is a great source of antioxidants. According to American Cancer Society, it supports microbiological balance, help the immune system, improve joint flexibility, and provide mental support.

4. Guyabano

(photo source: fruitsssss.blogspot.com )

 Guyabano is found to be anti-cancer. Its leaf is boiled and consumed as anti-cancer herbal tea. It can be found in supermarkets as herbal tea and many food manufacturers has their versions of herbal drink of this fruit.

3. Banana

(photo source: foodhub.co.nz )

Great source of potassium. A must for swimmers and athletes. I used this fruit during swimming laps and training. Good thing is that you can carry this fruit in your bag. This serves  as a natural energy booster.

2. Pineapple

(photo source: funky2.com )

Pineapple or "pinya" in our local term, is my partner in constipation. Great choice for losing weight. Also rich in antioxidants and good source of fiber. Its fiber is a world class source of cloth (export quality) and best for "barong tagalog" and the traditional Filipiniana attire, "baro't saya".

 1. Papaya

( photo source: junocristi.blogspot.com )

 Papaya is my best partner especially before summer comes. It has been my habit to keep my body fit for summer though it would be better if I'm lean the whole year. I found out that eating this fruit in the evening with cereal is effective and the result is really amazing. Of course you should exercise too. This is highly recommended! Try papaya and get the best body for summer.

Link resources:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov
www.cancer.org 
http://www.stylecraze.com

What are your preparations for summer?

Summer is near again and I'm sure, many people are dying to get back in shape. It usually reminds us about beach volleyball, island hopping, fruit juices, and of course, great beach summer bodies under the sun. Swimming is always "in" during summer. As I always say, just like many fitness experts are saying, swimming is a great choice. Aside from swimming, you can do lots of activities in the water such as kayaking, open water swimming, banana boating, surfing etc. These activities will make your summer a meaningful one. It will help you burn more calories while you are enjoying the good times with friends or family. Some of preparations and rituals that you could also consider in your list are as follows in no particular order:

1. Low impact exercises. Choose an exercise that will suit your lifestyle. Exercise is a must and shall always be in your list.

photo source: thewell.spafinder.com

2. Schedule of meaningful activities. Putting activities that would help the country, society or environment is also a good option. Tree-planting in your company outing is very helpful and great for the mother earth.

photo credit: www.giveaghaf.com

3. Start with diet plan then put it into action. Fitness always matched with proper nutrition.

photo source:  prevention.com 

4. Find some hobby that you could enjoy this summer. Say mountain climbing, trekking, or just as simple as cooking and gardening or landscaping.

photo credit: www.resepandalan.com

5. Prepare some important stuffs for summer getaways. It pays to have a complete stuff for summer to make your summer stress free.

photo source: funfamilycrafts.com

6. Research for the best summer destinations and find ways how to save your money when spending for a vacation.

photo source: lakadpilipinas.com

7. Be "fit" and be "in". Grab your old clothes and do some mix and match for a summer outfit. Buy only new clothes for summer if necessary. Sale is just around the corner of the malls, but be creative.

photo source:  brazilianswimwear.org

Are you still confused what to do for summer? Well, my last summer preparation tip for YOU is....Start your summer with a Swimming Program that will suit your skill level. You can enjoy a meaningful summer if you can swim well because other water activities will be easy for you to do. Be great this summer! Wow your friends with your amazing swimming skill. Don't waste time. Call or text now the freelance aquatics solution  at 0917 383 19 07. Good luck and have a Happy Summer!