Ready to find out what the healthiest fruits are?
Everybody says that we need to eat fruits. We hear it from doctors, we hear it from TV, from friends, and so on. Now, no one tells us what fruits to eat because all of them are good. Finding the healthiest fruits is not an easy task, but we are here, and we have some points about this discussion.
It’s recommended to eat two servings of fruit per day. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but surprisingly most Americans fail to meet this requirement. Only 12% of them manage to achieve this goal, and unfortunately, this is also what leads to a greater risk of chronic disease.
So, if you want to manage your weight, be healthier, and maybe extend your lifespan, all you have to do is eat more fruit. Fruit-rich diets are known for being the best if you want to avoid heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
If you don’t know where to start, keep reading because these are the healthiest fruits you can eat!
Oranges
When it comes to the healthiest fruits, oranges are among them for sure since they are full of essential nutrients that help with overall health and well-being.
Maybe the most important of them is vitamin C, because this is the best ally of your immune system. Also, a lesser-known fact is that vitamin C also promotes glowing skin, and we all know how much we want that. Even more, let’s not forget vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.
Oranges are also a good source of potassium and calcium, two minerals that keep your bones nice and strong and also help your body maintain stable blood pressure. Then there is vitamin B, which is food for the brain, and all the fiber we get from oranges is amazing for our digestive system.
But what makes these fruits truly unique is their ability to boast unique phytonutrients that have profound health benefits. A recent study that was published in the Nutrients Journal says that the phytonutrients found in citrus fruits help the gut microbiome to grow healthier. This means improved digestion but also better mental health!
Red grapes
They are delicious, and since they are also among the healthiest fruits, red grapes should never be missed from your shopping list. Every juicy bite helps you live longer and better because they are low-calorie and have a high content of vitamin K.
Vitamin K prevents the formation of blood clots and also promotes bone strength. Pair this with the calcium red grapes have, and you can know for sure your bones and teeth will always be healthy. As most fruits do, they also have a lot of fiber that aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
But have you ever wondered what makes red grapes red? The color comes from bioactive flavonoids, including the almighty antioxidant known as resveratrol. According to a study in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, resveratrol has a lot of health benefits to offer.
First of all, it has anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective properties, and then there are links to reduced risks of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. What is even more interesting is that resveratrol supports neuroprotection, slows aging, and promotes longevity.
If you want long-term benefits, then it’s easy to see why red grapes are among the healthiest fruits you can eat!
Cantaloupe
This is a wonder of nature, and unfortunately, no one talks about it as much as they should. It’s one of the healthiest fruits you can find out there because one cup has just 50 calories, but it’s packed with potassium, folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Even more so if you have problems when you try to drink more water, eating cantaloupe might help because this fruit has a water content of 90%! This is an excellent choice if you want a quick refreshment after an intense workout session or if you want to survive on a hot summer day. Its water and fiber combination helps keep you full, making it a great option for weight management.
But this is not all! Lutein and zeaxanthin are both found in cantaloupe, and they are the first line of defense against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This means eating this fruit can help you avoid age-related blindness.
Pomegranates
People have already known for thousands of years that pomegranates are some of the healthiest fruits you can find. It is no wonder that modern nutrition also praises them and considers them a fruit anyone should consume for their benefit.
They are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and powerful bioactive polyphenols. These polyphenols act as antioxidants, so they are very effective at stopping free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Surprisingly, pomegranates are probably the most studied fruits, with over 1,500 studies, and all of them about the health benefits of this fruit.
One common thing in all of these studies is that pomegranate juice is a very concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants, making it a centerpiece in any discussion regarding heart health, anti-inflammatory properties, and even potential anti-aging effects.
Generally, you will find pomegranates in stores during the winter season. If you don’t know how to eat them, you should know that they work amazingly well with yogurt or oatmeal. They add a crisp and also that sweet, tangy flavor that makes them so unique.
Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This saying is actually true because apples are among the healthiest fruits you can buy! Vitamin C, antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, and let’s not forget lots and lots of fiber.
Eating apples regularly is linked to a lower incidence of heart disease, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This study found that women who eat apples daily have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular problems. More exactly, a risk that is reduced by 13-22% compared to those who don’t consume apples so often.
But besides making your heart stronger, apples also protect you from certain types of cancer, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and asthma, and reduce age-related cognitive decline.
If you add more apples to your diet and you don’t know where to begin, just stick around. You can start by adding them to your salads. Cut thin slices and put them in the salad bowl. If you want a quick and tasty snack, you can try pairing them with nuts. Also, adding them to oats with a little bit of honey will help you get a nutritious and delicious meal.
Do you need a new bowl for your fruit salads? Say no more! AIDEA Salad Bowls, Wooden Salad Bowls Set, Large Acacia Wood Serving Bowl for Fruits, Salad, 12.5″ Big Salad Bowl with Serving Utensils
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