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For the days when we need something sweet and healthy, fruit is almost always the go-to. While sometimes, we’re instructed to avoid eating excess fruit due to its sugar and carb content, there’s no need to cut our favorite fruit from our diets entirely. Living healthy and continuing to indulge is all about balance and choosing good options. The good news is, there are many types of fruit that provide the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy!
1. Grapefruit
A regular serving of grapefruit is helpful for reducing cholesterol, insulin resistance, and aiding in weight loss. The citrus is also full of vitamin C, contains less water, and has a good amount of fiber. Many studies have shown that those who incorporate grapefruit into their daily diets manage to maintain a healthy weight and are even able to shed weight easier than those who don’t eat the pink citrus.
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2. Pineapple
Pineapple stands out amongst the tropical fruit crowd as the healthiest option. Only one cup delivers 131 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 76 percent of recommended manganese. The fruit is loved by nutritionists in part because of its anti-inflammatory properties and amount of bromelain, which may help protect against cancer and impede tumor growth.
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3. Raspberries
Dig in to those raspberries--one cup delivers eight grams of fiber! Fiber helps keep us fuller longer and prevents those sugar spikes that leave us craving chocolate soon after eating. The berries also have vitamin C to support our immune system and manganese, which is also good for skin and bone health.
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4. Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain three times the amount of antioxidants found in wine and green tea. They’re also known to reduce the risk of cancer (and other diseases), lower blood pressure, and serve as an anti-inflammatory. The little seeds also contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
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5. Blueberries
Those pretty blueberries have plenty of benefits. They’re extremely high in antioxidants, are healthy for your heart, can prevent strokes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, reduce stress, and are great for our vision. The powerful berries can also help keep your brain functioning at high levels, improving memory in elderly populations.
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6. Avocado
Although they’re not your ‘traditional,’ sweet tasting fruit, Avocados are a powerhouse that unlike most other fruits, are low in carbs and contain plenty of healthy fats. Oleic Acid, a monounsaturated fat found in avocados, can promote heart health and reduce inflammation. In addition, avocados provide 28 percent of the daily recommended potassium.
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7. Açaí Berries
Açaí Berries have slowly been gaining popularity, partially thanks to their superfood benefits and tart flavor. The Brazilian berries are high in antioxidants, and polyphenol, helping to lower your cholesterol, keep the heart healthy, and decrease inflammation. As it’s often difficult to find fresh berries, incorporate them into your diet by buying frozen bags.
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