10 Superfruits

1. Pomegranate

Also known as: Granada

What it is: Has around 600 seeds that can range from white to deep red

Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean Middle East

Supposed benefits: Some studies suggest that the juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidants in green tea and red wine.

2. Kiwi

Also known as: Chinese gooseberry

What it is: Flesh can be bright green or golden.

Where it grows: Can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer heat

Supposed benefits: A single kiwi is said to supply more than the normal daily adult requirement of vitamin C.

3. Mangosteen

Also known as: Manggis

What it is: Has sweet-sour white flesh

Where it grows: Primarily in countries with a hot, humid climate such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia

Supposed benefits: Its rind contains xanthones, which are said to neutralise free radicals



4. Goji (pronounced goh-gee)

Also known as: Wolfberry

What it is: Red berries that are usually found dried

Where it grows: China, Mongolia and the Himalayas in Tibet

Supposed benefits: It contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants to protect the retina of the eye.

5. Cranberry

Also known as: Mossberry, fenberry

What it is: Berries, 6 to 18mm in size, turn deep red when ripe.

Where it grows: A major commercial crop in the United States and Canada

Supposed benefits: It is used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.

6. Noni

Also known as: Cheese fruit, ach, mengkudu

What it is: Oval-shaped and prickly

Where it grows: Native to South-east Asia but now grows in India and the Pacific islands

Supposed benefits: The juice is said to be able to help reduce high blood pressure and relieve arthritic pain as it contains a high level of antioxidants.

7. Avocado

Also known as: Palta, abacate

What it is: Egg shaped, green-brown on the outside and green-yellow on the inside

Where it grows: Long history of being cultivated in Central and South America

Supposed benefits: It contains healthy monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

8. Seabuckthorn

Also known as: Sandthorn, seaberry

What it is: Soft and juicy orange berries, 6 to 9mm in diameter

Where is grows: Native to Europe and Asia

Supposed benefits: It is said to boost the immune system as it is rich in vitamin C.

9. Blueberry

Also known as: Bleuet

What it is: Indigo berries, 5 to 16mm in diameter

Where it grows: Native to North America but also grown in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries

Supposed benefits: It is said to be an anti-ageing superstar that is loaded with antioxidants to improve vision and brain function.

10. Acai (pronounced as-sa-E)

Also known as: Cabbage palm berry

What it is: A dark-blue berry that is similar in size to a grape

Where it grows: South American rainforests

Supposed benefits: Claims to have twice the antioxidants found in blueberries, as well as omega fatty acids, protein and fibre.