Who doesn’t like fruit? Well, my infant son is not a fan right now unless it is applesauce. But for the rest of us who love nature’s sweet treats, listed are some delicious fruits that are good to eat and the reasons why. Don’t forget that it is best to buy these fruits in season or even better and juicier at “peak ripeness”. To find out when fruits and vegetables are in season and ripe, check out this website: ripetrack.com. It is pretty intuitive, but click the FAQs link for explanation.
| FOOD: Fruits | Why is it good? |
| Acai Berries | Good source of antioxidants (better source than common berries such as blueberries). Rich in anthocyanins which helps prevent premature cell aging. |
| Apples | The fiber in apples helps decrease the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. |
| Aronia (chokeberry) | Native to the US. High (one of the highest) in antioxidants. Helps stabilizes blood sugar. High in catechins which is good for cardiovascular health. |
| Avocados | Often thought as a vegetable, but it has a seed (a vegetable). Filled with good fats and fatty acids. These fats help absorb nutrients necessary for good heart health. |
| Bananas | Improves digestion, sleep, and heart health. |
| Blackberries | High in fiber. Rich in polyphenols (antioxidants). |
| Blueberries | Rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants. |
| Cantaloupe | Helps prevent premature aging and rids the body of damaging free radicals. |
| Cherries | Contains the antioxidant (anthocyanin), reduces inflammation, and lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels. |
| Citrus (oranges, grapefruit, etc) | Vitamin C builds collagen (keeps skin looking youthful). Contains powerful antioxidants and fights free-radical illnesses such as cancer and cataracts. Improves blood flow to the heart. |
| Cranberries | May prevents infections and cancer. Studies have shown that these can even improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. |
| Dragon Fruit | Rich in antioxidants and lycopene. |
| Grapes (red) | A top source of resveratrol which is a plant chemical that may have protective properties that helps block Alzheimer plaques from the brain. Can also remove the stains and discolorations on teeth! |
| Kiwis | Full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and folic acid. Ensures healthy bones, teeth, and blood vessels. |
| Papaya | Helps improve digestion. Good source of vitamin C, A, and E and folate. |
| Pineapple | Contains bromelain which helps reduce bloating. |
| Plums | Contains the antioxidant, chlorogenic acid, which helps decrease anxiety. |
| Pomegranate | In the juice form, it has the highest antioxidant level of any beverage. |
| Pumpkin | Good source of beta carotene |
| Raspberries | A fruit with a good amount of fiber and Vitamin C. |
| Strawberries | Contains fisetin which halts the growth of cancer cells and reduces a tumors’ blood supply. Also contain a phytochemical called ellagic acid which reduces the rates of cancer. They are a great source of folic acid. They even can whiten teeth when crushed, mixed with baking soda, and the mixture is left on teeth for 5 minutes. |
| Watermelon | Packed with lycopene. Contains Vitamin A and C. |
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