Top 20 Healthiest Fruits | Articles on WatchMojo.com
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#20: Pears
Fruit can be consumed in a variety of ways, and it’s important to know which method can offer the most health benefits as part of a balanced diet. Keeping the skin intact is key when it comes to eating pears, since it’s this outside layer that contains the most nutrients. Pears are rather high in fiber as far as fruits go, and are also ideal for getting energy levels up. The folate content that’s present in pears also serves as a great way to offset high blood pressure, and is said to promote heart health. So eat up!
#19: Kiwi a.k.a. Kiwifruit
The humble kiwi, or kiwifruit, may be small, but it certainly packs a big punch when it comes to health benefits. There’s a lot of “good cholesterol” present within kiwis, enough to help maintain a healthy heart. Additionally, this nutrient-dense fruit is said to work towards maintaining normal blood pressure. We’re not sure if the news is out with regards to how healthy the kiwifruit is, but we’re definitely thinking about incorporating more of them into our regular daily diets. With that said, kiwi allergies are not uncommon, so newcomers to the fruit may want to consult with a physician first.
#18: Plums
The word “antioxidant” is tossed around quite a bit in food-related content, especially on T.V. ads promoting heart-healthy foods. Plums are one of those fruits that are natural sources of the stuff that can act as an all-natural anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, research studies examining the benefits of the antioxidants found within plums comment about how consuming the fruits can potentially benefit both bone health and memory. Finally, a good rule of thumb when picking out a solid plum for your lunch is to always bet on the darker shades. The richer the color of a plum, the more likely you’re going to receive the maximum amount of healthy benefits.
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#17: Pomegranate Fruit
Fruits from the pomegranate tree don’t only serve as healthy snacks in the modern day. They also possess an ancient and mythological history. Pomegranates show up in the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, and were well-regarded in Ancient Egypt as a symbol of fruitfulness - ba-dum tss. Today, pomegranate is known to be full of antioxidants, and to help tame any nasty bodily inflammation. Plus, they taste great in savory recipes as well, making them a versatile addition to any diet. They may not be the first fruit one thinks of for a snack, but we’re thinking that maybe the pomegranate’s time to shine has finally come.
#16: Honeydew Melon
It’s something you’ve been hearing about for years: vitamin C. There’s a good reason it’s been advertised in so many places and talked about so frequently, though, since getting enough vitamin C is just one part of maintaining balanced and healthy nutrition. Just one cup of juiced honeydew melon is over half of the recommended daily value of vitamin C so, if you’re lacking in the vitamin, here’s your lifehack for the day. The melon also has a low calorie count and is rich in B vitamins and minerals like potassium, which makes it an excellent snack choice.
#15: Pineapples
Speaking of vitamin C, the pineapple is another great source of the stuff, and is super-versatile, to boot. While consuming it on pizza IS delicious (don’t fight us on this), there are plenty of other healthy ways to reap the fruit’s benefits. Pineapples in smoothies, fruit salads or simply cut up and served fresh can provide minerals like manganese, which is said to promote brain health. Another cool way to eat pineapple is grilling it, which locks in that sweet fruit flavor without harming its healthy properties. Said quite simply: pineapple rules, and we’ll take it any way we can get it.
#14: Oranges
There’s a lot that can be done with the common, household orange. These classic fruits aren’t just for juicing, although that IS an all-time classic. Orange zest can be added to savory foods, for instance. The peels are actually high in fiber, minerals and carotenoids, the latter of which can work to potentially offset atherosclerotic diseases. Some studies even link oranges as an important ally in the fight against cancer, which is more than enough of an argument for us to sing this fruit’s praises. Just watch out for the grocery store orange juices that pack in too much additional sugar.
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#13: Lemons
We may only think of lemons in their juiced form or as a garnish, but this fruit is somewhat underrated when it comes to its nutritional benefits. Specifically, the flavonoid content within lemons have been said to assist in brain function and potentially boosting blood. You also likely associate lemons with their high concentration of vitamin C, which is absolutely correct. It exceeds the honeydew melon with an impressive 64% of the daily recommended value per 100 gram (or 3.5 ounce) serving. Lemons are also a tasty addition to any recipe, especially those with seafood, and they even contain a little bit of protein, as a bonus!
#12: Raspberries
Do you ever feel like something sweet after dinner, but feel guilty about indulging in dessert after every meal? If you don’t, amazing! If you do, us too, buddy. Incidentally, raspberries are an excellent choice for those moments when you’re trying to watch your sugar intake. That’s because they are low on the glycemic index, possessing natural sweetness and a sugar content of just 4%. Raspberries are also the fruit highest in fiber; for every one cup, you’re looking to acquire 8 total grams. Plus, they’re super versatile too! Try them as garnishes at dinner time, or with your breakfast in the morning. They can also be incorporated in smoothies or – if you’re really craving that ice cream for dessert, throw on a few berries for good measure!
#11: Tomatoes
We all know tomatoes are a fruit by now, right? Well, even if you didn’t, you’ll know how versatile they are! They work great in all sorts of dishes, and come in different forms too – for instance, cherry tomatoes. When it comes to this fruit, it’s important to consume them whole, since most of the good stuff is found in the skin. They promote anti-inflammation. They also have some vitamin C and calcium, although the jury is still out with regards to claims that the lycopene found within tomatoes can promote heart health or prevent certain cancers. We recommend you just grill or eat your tomatoes with a little bit of salt (not too much!) to bring out their natural sweetness, and enjoy!
#10: Grapes
Here’s a question: does the average person peel their grapes before consuming them? Well, the answer is most likely “no,” unless perhaps you lived in Ancient Rome or were actually Hedonism-Bot from “Futurama” in disguise. This is a good thing, too, because the skin on those grapes is where all of the nutrients lie, particularly natural anti-inflammatories that benefit a good, healthy heart. They also contain a good amount of vitamin K, to help synthesize protein in the body. They’re pretty filling, as well, and provide substantial food energy considering their size.
#9: Grapefruits
The inclusion of grapefruits into your diet, like anything, should be monitored with regards to potential allergens. This goes double for this entry, however, since there’s evidence that links grapefruit and its juice with certain medicines that could be prescribed by your doctor. Barring this, a diet consisting of grapefruits can be great for the average person, since they are naturally fibrous, contain potassium for energy and are a potent source of vitamin C. Knowing this, you can rest assured that your heart will thank you for that side order of grapefruit with your breakfast.
#8: Blackberries
If you’ll allow us a dad joke for this entry: it would be em-berry-sing if you thought avoiding blackberry seeds was a good idea. That’s because the seeds of this tiny fruit are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and are a good source of easy protein. They contain a ton of vitamin C and they can even keep you regular as they provide a solid dose of fiber! Other nutrients in significant content include manganese, vitamin K, and tons of phytochemicals. Yeah, we realize we’re doubling down on the parental advice here, but it’s important to feel good about what you’re eating!
#7: Cherries
There’s a wide variety of cherries out there, and each of them possess different nutritional values. Sour cherries, for example, contain vitamins A and C, as well as tons of beta-carotene, which can help prevent inflammatory diseases. Cherries also offer fiber and vitamin C, as well as other minerals and anthocyanin compounds. The benefits of anthocyanins are said to include brain and heart health, which isn’t a bad deal, considering cherries are also…well, delicious! We’re not saying that the cherry on top of your ice cream sundae is going to change a whole lot, but hey…it doesn’t hurt, right?!
#6: Watermelon
Although it’s true that the basic makeup of a watermelon is…well, mostly water, this doesn’t mean that this fruit is bereft of nutritional properties. For starters, there’s the natural hydration that occurs when consuming watermelon, which is always a good thing, even more so on a hot day. In addition to this, the carotenoids present within watermelon pulp is beneficial to your heart, while the rind contains the amino acid citrulline, which helps with blood pressure, digestion, and potentially more. We realize that eating the rind isn’t exactly common practice, but there are tons of articles online with advice on how to prepare and enjoy it. Eating it raw is also perfectly fine!
#5: Strawberries
They’re one of the most popular fruits in the world, and with good reason. Strawberries can go with a lot of things, from desserts to toppings and as a great snack option. They’re low in fat, as are most fruits, naturally sweet, and the seeds contain favorable fatty acids. Additionally, the polyphenols present within strawberries are thought to benefit brain and heart health, with some evidence suggesting that polyphenols assist in fighting off certain cancers as well as type 2 diabetes. Add to this the presence of vitamin C and manganese, and incorporating strawberries in your regular diet is basically a no-brainer.
#4: Apples
It’s one of the oldest sayings in the book: “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” But, you know what? Sometimes, old health advice can still be applied to the modern day, and this definitely applies to the nutritional benefits of apples. The carbohydrates present within the fruit can help keep you full, the fiber is good for digestion, and there’s such a wide array of different apples out there…you can totally mix it up! Many of the fruits on this list contain seeds and rinds that are edible, but apples are a little different, with the core and seeds not providing any extra nutrition. The versatility of apples makes them easy to eat at home or on the go, so don’t sleep on them!
#3: Avocados
Avocados have enjoyed a solid time in the spotlight during recent years and it’s about time, too, because this fruit is really good for you. The good fats present within avocado provide excellent sources of energy, and they’re also good sources of K and B vitamins. Oh, but we’re not done! There’s some protein to be had, as well as carotenoids to help promote heart health. Avocados aren’t called a “super food” for nothing, after all, and we highly recommend enjoying these delicious fruits for breakfast – or try your hand at making some homemade guac!
#2: Bananas
The health benefits of bananas have been applauded for years, although their reputation for providing potassium to our daily routines is actually a food myth. While it’s true they provide potassium, it’s at a mere 8% of our daily value, which puts them somewhere in the middle of the ranking among other fruits. Beyond this, however, bananas go a long way in the fight to keep us full, with more carbohydrates than many other fruits on this list. Bananas also include vitamins C and B6, as well as fiber, manganese, and starch to promote gut health. The energy and health benefits of that banana at lunch make us feel good about picking up a bunch every week at the grocery store.
#1: Blueberries
Blueberries are another pint-sized snack that can keep you full on the go, and every junk food snack we replace with fruit is a win in our books! The good thing about them is that they’re high in carbs but low in calories and sugar. Blueberries also bring a balanced array of nutrients and minerals to the table, including vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber and manganese. It should be said that research conclusions differ with regards to the potential benefits of anthocyanins and polyphenols found within fruits such as blueberries. These tiny treats do contain these phytochemicals, however, as well as naturally occurring antioxidants, to boot.
