Food is your best medicine

Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins & minerals. Because fruits can be eaten raw, they are extremely beneficial for the enzymes they offer. Enzymes are important to proper digestive function. Here are some benefits of five of this season’s best local fruits:

Blackberries Contain vitamins A, C and B-complex along with calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and niacin. All berries are high in fiber.

They are good for the colon. Since blackberries contain natural sugar they are good for energy. They are also used as a blood cleanser. They have an alkaline affect in the body and make a good tonic.

While blackberries are best if they are eaten uncooked, they also make good cobblers, jams and pies.

Blueberries are high in manganese and vitamin A and C and some B-complex. They also contain calcium, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, iron, silicon. They are an excellent source of fiber and are a good antiseptic and blood purifier. They are also good for the skin, hypoglycemia, and the blue pigment may be a powerful in protecting the liver.

Eaten in their fresh, natural state, they are very nourishing. They can also be added to muffins, pancakes, cereals and salads. They make an excellent addition to a chicken salad too!

Cantaloupes are abundant in vitamin A and C. They are also a rich source of potassium.

Melons are best eaten alone or with other melons rather than mixed with other fruits. Their high water content can interfere with digestion since water dilutes the digestive juices. Melons in general are a cleansing food. They are good for bladder and kidney problems.

Grapes contain some vitamin A and C, phosphorus and calcium. They are also a good source of B complex which is essential for a healthy nervous system. Grapes are considered the “queen” of fruits. They help to purify the blood, are a good source of energy and contain cleansing properties. They help stimulate the liver and are effective in helping constipation, edema, reducing fever, and preventing cancer. Grape juice is excellent to help recover from illness.

Peaches are high in vitamin A, B complex, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. They are valuable for those suffering from anemia, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, constipation, heart disease and skin disease. They are excellent to include in a diet for the elderly.

The best pick are ones that smell peachy and look creamy yellow and red in color. They are great when eaten fresh or made into jelly or jams, used for cobblers and can be used in fruit salads with apricots, apples, bananas, pineapple and pears. Ripe peaches should be stored in the refrigerator.