Hello again and welcome to this column. We are going to look at the Pomegranate which has recently been classed as the latest superfood and the Banana which has always been a superfood.

The name "pomegranate" derives from Latin pomum ("apple") and granatus ("seeded"). The pomegranate has been cultivated since pre-historic times. It originated from Persia and has been cultivated in Mediterranean region for several millennia. Granada was renamed after the fruit during the Moorish period.

It is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, Iron and is also a good source of the B vitamins. In a recent research program the juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease. It has been suggested that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared to the same quantity of green tea or red wine. Antioxidants can protect us against the oxidative stress in our industrialised world, such as pollution, chemicals, viruses and bacteria, and consequently cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This is good news, because antioxidants are the naturally occurring substances in plants that protect the body from free radicals.

The Banana is known to promote healthy digestion and create a feeling of youthfulness. It enhances calcium, phosphorous and nitrogen retention which in turn helps in the regeneration of healthy tissues.The banana is of great nutritional value. It has a rare combination of energy value, tissue-building elements, protein, vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of calories since it is rich in solids and low in water content as compared to any other fresh fruit.

Banana for energy - A large banana supplies around a 100 calories. It contains a large amount of sugar that can be easily assimilated by the body. This makes it a good source of quick energy and an excellent means to recover from fatigue. The use of bananas has been found beneficial in the treatments of several medical conditions such as intestinal disorders, constipation, arthritis, gout, anemia, allergies, kidney stones, tuberculosis and urinary disorders.

Bananas can help cure or prevent hangovers. The main causes of hangovers are dehydration and depletion of potassium, both direct results of alcohol consumption. Before I stop extolling the health benefits of bananas...one more tip; bananas are a natural antacid and will get rid of a nasty case of heartburn in most cases.

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In the next issue we are going to discuss free radicals and their effect on the ageing process. I am sure this will be of interest to most of us…….