More Top Fruits from Around the World

We've all seen and bought products with the word 'fruit' in the title. Products such as fruit juice, fruit snacks, and fruit bars. However, these products contain very little fruit and are certainly not healthy for you and your family. There are many super fruits from around the world that are not only good for, but they taste great also. Below are three of my favorites and some healthy recipes to help you enjoy these super fruits.

Blueberry
Blueberries have been called "the ultimate brain food." Once only grown in the United States you can now find blueberries growing in Australia, New Zealand, and South America. We have all heard that blueberries are good for your entire urinary tract. What else can blueberries help? Studies have shown that blueberries can counteract physical damage caused by strokes, reduce cancer cells, and lower cholesterol. For centuries blueberries were used to treat what we now call diabetes.

Blueberry Parfaits - A delectable blueberry recipe that is a great alternative to cakes.

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen thawed blueberries
1 cups plain or vanilla yogurt
4 tablespoons chopped nuts, wheat germ, or grapenuts

To serve, in each of 4 dessert or parfait glasses layer yogurt and blueberry until filled. Top with nuts, wheat germ, or grapenuts if desired.

Noni
Noni was once available only in Southeast Asia, but now can be found from India to the South Pacific. The Noni fruit is high in antioxidants and is an excellent anti-oxidant. The uses don't stop there though, many other parts of the Noni tree can be used to reduce fevers, coughs, and ease upset stomachs.

Noni Ambrosia - A smoothie recipe like no other!

Ingredients:
2 Grapefruit slices
1/4 Crushed pineapple
5 Cherries
2 Orange sections
5 Grapes
3-5 Strawberries
1/4 Diced mango
1 cup pure noni juice
Ice

Direction: Add all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until all ice is crushed. Add more juice is necessary to thin the mixture.

Grape
History does not reveal to us where grapes were first cultivated, but they are now considered native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Grapes are an excellent source of resveratrol. Resveratrol has been proven to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Many of the healthy qualities of grapes are retained whether they are pressed into wine or dried into raisins.

Grape Ice Cream
1 pint heavy cream
1 ¼ cups unsweetened grape juice
1/3 cup sugar substitute
Few drops of fresh lemon or lime juice

Mix the cream, grape juice, and sugar substitute together. Stir until the sugar substitute is dissolved. Add fresh lemon or lime juice to taste. Freeze in a hand-cranked or electric ice cream maker. Makes 1 quart.