• Nutritional value (3 prunes): 60 calories, 2 g fibre, source of vitamin A
• Disease-fighting factor: Prunes are a source of the mineral boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis. Prunes also impart a mild laxative effect due to their high content of a natural sugar called sorbitol.
• Did you know? Marketers in the United States are trying to legally rename prunes "dried plums" to appeal to a younger market.
Raspberry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 32 calories, 4 g fibre, source of folate and magnesium
• Disease-fighting factor: Raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant that may help prevent cervical cancer. Promising studies in animals have led researchers to believe that raspberries may also help treat esophageal and colon cancer.
• Did you know? Raspberries are so perishable that only three per cent of Canada's raspberry crop is sold fresh. The remaining berries are used to make jam, baked goods and other delicacies.
Strawberry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 23 calories, 1.5 g fibre, source of vitamin C
• Disease-fighting factor: Strawberries are rich in several antioxidants that have
anti-inflammatory properties, including helping to prevent atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) and to suppress the progression of cancerous tumours.
• Did you know? The flavour and colour of strawberries is enhanced by balsamic vinegar. For a fabulous dessert, drizzle balsamic vinegar over ripe strawberries and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tomato
• Nutritional value (1 medium): 22 calories, 1.5 g fibre, source of vitamin A, folate and potassium
• Disease-fighting factor: Tomatoes are nature's best source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against advanced-stage prostate cancer.
• Did you know? Tomatoes cooked with a touch of oil provide more lycopene than raw tomatoes, so a rich tomato sauce made with olive oil is a healthy choice.
Watermelon
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 23 calories, less than 1 g fibre, source of vitamin A
• Disease-fighting factor: Watermelon is 92 per cent water, making it aptly named. It's a great addition to any weight-loss diet because it is low in calories and satisfies the sweet tooth.
• Did you know? Watermelon rinds and seeds are both edible. Roasted, seasoned seeds make a great snack food, and the juicy rind can be stir-fried, stewed, or pickled.
Glossary
Phytochemicals: Most of the more than 1,000 known phytochemicals have antioxidant properties that help protect our cells against disease-causing damage. Phytochemicals are often identified by their colour (for example, the purple-hued anthocyanins in blackberries and the red lycopene in tomatoes). Each colourful phytochemical provides a different health benefit to the body, so for the best protection against a variety of diseases, choose an array of colourful fruits each day.
Free radicals: Harmful molecules that occur naturally in the body or that come from pesticides, pollution, smoking and radiation. They damage the body's cells, which can lead to cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants: Powerful substances that can protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Some of the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals found in fruit can act as antioxidants.
Page 5 of 5
