AN apple a day keeps the doctor away – but fruit and veg can also do so much more.
Scientists found eating plenty of greens aids snorers, meaning their partners are able to get a peaceful night’s kip.
GettyAN apple a day keeps the doctor away – but fruit and veg can also do so much more – as this A to Z of the foods with surprising benefits shows[/caption]
That’s because the nutrients in the vegetables help lower the decibel levels of noisy sleepers.
But what can the other fruits and veggies do for us?
Thea Jacobs provides an A to Z of the foods with surprising benefits, from menopause relief to help with erectile dysfunction.
AlamyAvocado for better vision[/caption]
Avocado protects eye health thanks to the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help fine-tune vision.
AlamyBlackcurrants are nature’s Viagra[/caption]
Blackcurrants contain flavonoids which, combined with exercise, can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Getty – ContributorCauliflower could could help slow down ageing[/caption]
Cauliflowers can help slow ageing. They contain the chemical sulforaphane, which helps lessen inflammation and neutralises toxins, all while protecting DNA.
AlamyDates could ease pregnancy and giving birth[/caption]
Dates can make natural labour easier. Studies have found pregnant women who eat the sweet fruits tend to give birth more quickly than those who do not.
Elderberries are great to snack on when you have a sore throat and a cough. The berries’ nutrients help shorten the length of time you feel sick and can stimulate the immune system to protect against flu.
Fennel can help ease the symptoms of menopauseiStockphoto – Getty
Fennel is a great veg to eat if you are affected by the menopause, studies have found. It helps relieve hot flushes, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances in menopausal women.
Grapes are thought to help fight off bacteria and fungi by inhibiting their growth. They also contain anthocyanins, which can destroy bacterial cell walls.
Horseradish is a weight-loss aid. It is low in calories and high in fibres, making the condiment a good accompaniment for a healthy meal.
Iceberg lettuce is good for your heart, thanks to all its vitamins. The potassium helps regulate blood pressure, thereby reducing the possibility of a heart attack.
Jackfruit is a sneaky hack to help you sleep better. It is rich in magnesium and iron, which play an important part in getting a good night’s kip.
If you have asthma, then head for the Kiwi fruitGetty
Kiwi fruit can relieve symptoms of asthma due to their nutrients and high vitamin C content.
GettyLimes could help prevent kidney stones[/caption]
Limes raise the levels of citrate, which can prevent kidney stones. Studies found that people who ate citrus fruits had a significantly lower risk of the stones.
Mustard greens can help prevent acne thanks to their ability to curb the production of sebum, an oily substance on the skin’s surface. The nutrients in the peppery-tasting vegetables can also aid the improvement of general skin conditions.
Nectarines can assist in reducing risks in pregnancy. The fruit is high in potassium, which helps with blood pressure and can stop hypertension, along with other conditions.
Olives contain oleuropein, a compound that enhances bone health. A study last year showed those who consumed high levels of extra virgin olive oil had a 51 per cent lower risk of osteoporosis fractures.
GettyParsnips can promote feelgood brain chemical serotonin, which makes you feel chilled out[/caption]
Parsnips could help you relax. The root vegetables contain falcarinol, which promotes the production of feelgood brain chemical serotonin, which makes you feel chilled out.
Quince is rich in fibre, making it a great natural remedy for constipation. The nutrients in the pear-like yellow fruit can stimulate contractions in the gut, and they are also good for relieving indigestion.
Getty – ContributorRhubarb can help blood clot properly[/caption]
Rhubarb can help heal wounds more efficiently. The staple crumble veg has a high concentration of Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood to clot, thereby forming scabs.
Photolibrary – GettySpinach aids the revitalisation of cuticles[/caption]
Spinach can enable the growth of strong and healthy nails, as it contains beta-carotene as well as Vitamins A and C. The veg also aids the revitalisation of cuticles.
AlamyTomato juice can promote sperm health[/caption]
Tomatoes may help increase male fertility. A study found a daily intake of seven ounces a day in juice form increased the movement of sperm.
Ugli fruit is rich in Vitamin B6, which can boost energy levels. Combined with the carbohydrates that are also in the citrus fruit, this provides a natural way to keep yourself awake.
AlamyEat Vidalia onions for strong bones[/caption]
Vidalia onions are great for ensuring strong bones because they are high in Vitamin C, which helps promote the absorption of calcium.
Watercress can help improve your athletic performance. The peppery leaf beats spinach for iron content, which plays a role in transporting oxygen in red blood cells during exercise.
Xigua watermelons have been found to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness in athletes.
Yams are a great way to boost fertility. In fact, they’re so good people take them instead of supplements. Compounds called phytoestrogens in the root vegetable can regulate hormones, which has benefits during pregnancy. They can also boost ovulation.
GettyCourgettes as they are known in the UK – are good for helping keep the prostate in working order[/caption]
Zucchini – or courgettes as they are known in the UK – are good for helping keep the prostate in working order. Its seed extracts may help limit enlargement of the prostate that commonly causes urinary and sexual difficulties in older men.