Blueberries
Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits. I can’t seem to stop eating them! Blueberries are native to North America and were a staple of the early Americans’ diets. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, there are more than 450 varieties, but in general, the two major types in this country are the wild blueberries, or lowbush, and the cultivated blueberries, or highbush.

In terms of nutrients, blueberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. But where they really shine is in their antioxidant content. They contain phenolic acid, anthocyanins (which makes them blue), and ellagic acid. These phytonutrients provide many health benefits, including protection from heart disease (maybe even more so than grapes) and a decreased risk for macular degeneration.

More good news: Animal studies indicate that eating blueberries may slow the effects of aging, improving balance, coordination, and memory, and reducing the chances of dementia and Alzheimer disease. Blueberries are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels. But there’s more: The antioxidants in blueberries are thought to reduce the risk of cancer. And if you tend to get urinary tract infections, add some blueberries to your diet; certain substances in these berries can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

Tips: Pick or buy blueberries that are firm, deep blue, and have a whitish cast to them. Make sure the berries aren’t “mushy,” soft, or dull in color. Refrigerate them, but don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them. If you pick more than you can eat at one time, freeze them in plastic bags.

Watermelon
This sweet and juicy fruit is full with some of nature’s most potent antioxidants. It is a dense source of vitamin C and beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in the body). These powerful antioxidants are the natural antidote to aging and disease causing free radicals. They are at the root of most illnesses. Vitamin C and beta-carotene neutralize these damaging molecules so that we can defy age naturally. A diet high in these two vitamins is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and even cancer. They also boost the immune system and improve eyesight.

Loaded with Lycopene

Tomatoes are renowned for their high level of the potent antioxidant lycopene, but watermelon juice is a very concentrated source as well.  However, for the lycopene to be bioavailable, the tomatoes must be cooked. This breaks down the cell walls so that lycopene can be absorbed by your body.  Watermelon does not have the same kind of cell wall structure and your body can absorb the lycopene without it having to be cooked first.

The cancer preventing properties of Lycopene have been extensively studied. It has been shown to protect against a growing list of cancers including prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancers. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which found that people who had colorectal polyps, which is an early warning sign for colorectal cancers, had 35% lower levels of lycopene than those with no polyps.

Studies have also revealed that people are less likely to get sunburnt after increasing their levels of lycopene. It protects cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage and even DNA damage.

Watermelon Juice is High in B6.  Vitamin B6 is vital for balancing the brain and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also a very good hormone regulator and helps women through their menstrual cycle.

So if you don’t already indulge in watermelon juice, you might consider making it part of your regular juicing menu. You can mix it with other vegetables for even more amazing health benefits. Watermelon, celery, cucumber and ginger is a delicious combination that will enhance beauty, health and overall wellbeing.

Watermelon is great for the kidneys, too. flushes out the kidneys, gall bladder and bladder.  One thing that watermelon does is it helps the liver to process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) into the safer form of urea. This increased effectiveness in production of urea takes some strain off of the kidneys.  You can get amazing utility from the humble melon. Every part from flesh, rind and seed can be consumed with some benefit. A watermelon cleanse can be used to shed a few pounds in a short time. Menopausal women can use the cleanse to relieve hot flashes. The extreme heat of August can be released through the cleansing power of watermelon. The colon is cleansed by watermelon. Watermelon can act as a blood tonic and therefore be very regenerative.

Tips: Dr. Staninger recommends that you eat local watermelon and save the seeds, boil them with water to make a healthful tonic  tea.

Remember the Number 1 Rule:

*FRUIT SHOULD ALWAYS BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH*

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

*NEVER EAT FRUIT DURING OR AFTER A MEAL*

What results is the fruit ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

So ALWAYS eat your fruit on an empty stomach!