If your sinuses are infected and you hate bitter pills, try apples, berries, mangoes and / or pineapples. These fruits are source of several phyto-nutrients offering natural sinus relief.  Phyto means “plant.” Phyto-nutrients, found in all vegan foods, are substances that are produced during growth of the plant. These substances have several therapeutic properties.

Apple, a temperate fruit, belongs to the rose family. The complete fruit has pleasant fragrance and flavor, beautiful exterior and nutrient-rich interior. All these qualities are appropriately summarized in famous saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The fruit is a good source of quercetin, a phyto-nutrient used to treat rhinitis and sinusitis.

Berries are smaller than several other commonly eaten fruits, but they are nutrient-dense and have several therapeutic properties. Berries contain xylitol, which is commonly known as birch or wood sugar. Xylitol, a polyol sugar alcohol, is known for antibacterial activity. Xylitol ensures that bacteria do not stick to the mucosal membrane of the nose thereby reduces the number of bacteria in the nasal cavity. Xylitol also prevents colonization of the bacteria.

You can eat blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries that facilitate healing of the sinus problems. Raspberry helps in decongest the sinuses. Strawberries are a good source of xylitol. Xylitol is also available as nasal spray. Berries also contain quercetin.

Mangoes flood the tropical and subtropical markets during summer and monsoon seasons. This yellow-orange fruit is believed to prevent and treat sinusitis. Since mango promotes epithelium formation and is rich in vitamin A, the fruit prevents sinus and other infections.  Vitamin A not only conditions membranes but also contribute to the development of strong mucous membranes lining the throat and nose. The vitamin also protects against various viral infections.

A large number of varieties of mangoes is available in Asia, where it is known as the King of Fruits. You can savor the chutney, curry, juice, pickle and / or salad of the fruit or just enjoy it raw.

Pineapples are also cultivated in tropics and subtropics. Although its rind is horny, the fresh white to deep yellow fruit with short shelf life is delicious and juicy. A small number of studies has concluded that bromelain enzyme found in pineapples helps in reducing sinus inflammation. Pineapples are also a rich source of vitamin C that protects against infections. You can eat fresh fruit of pineapple, make its salad with papaya, mango, citrus fruit, banana and avocado, and / or add it to cabbage and carrot salads.

Depending on the region where you reside and your taste, pick one of the fruits for natural sinus relief.