A

ALCOHOL: The Romans believed that a glass of wine a day insured a long life. There are no long-term studies such a thing. Apart from the odd hot toddy for flu symptoms or a glass of vino for to help with temporary depression (great cure) alcohol really doesn't have any benefits. Soz. If you must, enjoy responsibly and not every day. HANGOVER HELP: Banana (potassium), eggs (protein, amino acids), pickle juice - yep - encourages body to store water due to salt and vinegar content.
ALFALFA SPROUTS: Worth investing in a home sprouter for the mineral content of these sprouts alone. Helps with high cholesterol, urinary tract health and intestinal health.
Chlorophyll, sodium, zinc, sulphur, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, iron and calcium.
ALMONDS: Average antioxidant, protein powerhouses. Don't overindulge in the unpeeled nut, it contains traces of cyanide which consumed in large volumes could intoxicate your body. Who wants that! Can help with Irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, acne.
Essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, A, B5, B2, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, potassium.
AMARANTH: Bird food. Good for the gluten intolerant (though the jury is still out on whether there is actually such a thing or just badly processed flour) to eat if you want a baby in your belly (folic acid) and to balance the endocrine system. Also good for herpes / heal active sores due to the collagen like builder called lysine.
Vitamin B2, B3, B6, calcium, folic acid, lysine, antioxidants
APPLES: Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, detoxing. Win win win WIN. The most important nutrients are however found in the skins so don't think that juicing a couple of apples will keep you from fighting for good health. Apples also stimulate the digestive system (and cause diarrhea in children).
Vitamin C, fibre, bio-flavonoids, pectin, potassium, alpha-carotene, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, tanins.
APRICOT: Average anti-oxidant, can help with detoxification due to its high fibre content. Can assist in relieving constipation (especially the dried variety), with mental fatigue and to fight free radicals.
Vitamin A, B2, B3, B5, C, beta-carotene, copper, fibre, iron, malic acid, calcium, potassium, zinc.
ARTICHOKE: My favourite. Fights high cholesterol, and helps with indigestion and diabetes. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid eating artichokes as it bitters the milk and slows down production. The biotin content will help with energy levels.
Vitamins A, C, chromium, folic acid, biotin, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, iron.
ASPARAGUS: Did you know that whether your pee smells funny after you have eaten asparagus is a genetic thing? Some have it, some don't. As my friend Carly always says: if I can smell it my body is working processing it right. It is a diuretic, so Carly's definitely onto something. It helps fight UTIs, menstrual pain, infertility, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. This one IS a good one to eat when preggers, as it assists with lactation disorders.
Vitamin A, B2, B3, B6, glutathione, folic acid, chromium, fluoride, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, iodine.
AVOCADO: SUPERHERO. If you suffer from candida or fungal related diseases, this is a good one to eat as it helps fight certain type of bacteria in the gut. Avocados also contain three times as much potassium as a banana. Furthermore, the will make your skin SHINE (eaten or as a used as a mask), support your liver, lungs and immune system. Score!
Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, E, K, essential fatty acids, folic acid, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc.