Did you know that there are hidden medicinal powers in some common Spring/Summer fruits? Here are just a few for starters.

Grape - Rich in antioxidant, anticancer compounds. Red grapes, (but not white or green grapes) are high in antioxidant quercetin. Grape skins contain resveratrol, shown to inhibit blood platelet clumping (and consequently, blood clot formation) and boost good-type HDL cholesterol. Red grapes are antibacterial and antiviral in test tubes. Grapeseed oil also raises good-type HDL cholesterol.

Grapefruit - The pulp contains a unique pectin (in membranes and juice sacs-not in juice) that lowers blood cholesterol and reverses atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) in animals. Has anticancer activity and appears particularly protective against stomach and pancreatic cancer. The juice is antiviral. High in various antioxidants, especially disease-fighting vitamin C.

Kiwi - Commonly prescribed in Chinese traditional medicine to treat stomach and breast cancer. High in vitamin C, which has multiple antidisease activity.

Pineapple - Suppresses inflammation. Both the fruit and a main constituent, an antibacterial enzyme called bromelain, are anti-inflammatory. (Great for those swelled ankles we sometimes get in the heat of the summer.) Pineapple aids digestion, helps dissolve blood clots and is good for preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures because of its very high manganese content. It is also antibacterial and antiviral and mildly estrogenic.

Watermelon - High amounts of lycopene and glutathione, antioxidant and anticancer compounds. Also mild antibacterial, anticoagulant activity.