10 of the Healthiest Fruits You Can Buy
Forget fancy superfoods—these nutritious powerhouses are essential staples for any healthy diet.
The Healthiest Fruits in the Produce Aisle
Peaches and nectarines: Packed with potassium
Everyone knows that bananas boast high amounts of potassium, but two small peaches or nectarines have about 250 mg of the essential mineral. That’s more potassium than one medium banana (422 mg). The mineral boosts nerve and muscle health, according to the National Institutes of Health. Peach skins, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, according to research in the International Journal of Molecular Science. For those watching their weight, peaches are among the healthiest fruits to satisfy a craving for something sweet. Bake, broil, or poach them to create pies, cobblers, and other desserts.
Pineapple: Powerful anti-inflammatory
This sweet and tangy tropical fruit is jam-packed with bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to research in the journal Biomedical Reports. Have it frozen, dried, or fresh.
Grapes: Heart-healthy
The little purple bulbs are among the world’s oldest, most abundant, and all-round healthiest fruits. Grapes may also have a favourable effect on blood lipids, decrease inflammation and reduce blood pressure, according to 2015 research in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Grapes are also great source of potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramps.
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Kiwi: Loaded with vitamins
Beneath its fuzzy skin is a sweet fruit loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects against cancer and promotes eye health. Kiwis are also low in calories and contain fibre, making them ideal for weight loss. Because they can last up to four weeks when stored in the refrigerator, they are a great snack to keep all year round.
Mangoes: Immunity boosters
Mangoes are becoming increasingly popular among nutritionists due to their exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to promote a healthy immune system and keep your vision sharp. Even more, these healthy fruits are packed with more than 60 mg of vitamin C per cup; that’s more than 50 per cent of your recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in a single serving.
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Pomegranates: A megadose of antioxidants
Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants. It’s also a great source of potassium, which sustains energy and controls high blood pressure. Recent research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily could improve cardiovascular health and lower inflammation. However, talk to your doctor before you drink regular amounts of pomegranate juice, as it can sometimes negatively interact with prescription drugs.
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Apples: Brain- and heart-healthy
One medium apple is low on calories (only 80!) but heavy on quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cell degeneration, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Research in the journal Hypertension found that eating apples and other whole fruits was linked with lower blood pressure. The fibre in apples is also connected with improvements in cholesterol levels. Don’t forget to eat the skin, too—it’s especially rich in disease-fighting compounds like flavonoids, which reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Grapefruit: Vitamin C powerhouse
Although oranges are a great source of vitamin C, grapefruits pack a bigger punch. Just half of a grapefruit contains nearly 50 per cent of your daily vitamin C, as well as high levels of fibre, potassium, and vitamin A. The vitamin C in grapefruit is involved in collagen production so the fruits may also repair damaged or oily skin and hair. It’s little wonder that this delicious fruit is no longer just a breakfast staple.
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Bananas: Healthy on-the-go snack
A banana is the perfect on-the-go snack. It’s already wrapped and full of potassium and fibre to promote long-lasting energy and keep you alert all day long. It contains no fat or salt, making it a healthier snack option than a granola bar or bag of pretzels. Want to make your bananas last longer? Here’s a trick: Store them in the refrigerator after they’re ripe. Although the peel may turn brown, the fruit underneath will stay delicious for three to five extra days.
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Blueberries: Anti-aging powerhouses
Long considered one of the beloved “superfoods,” these sweet treats are tiny but mighty. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C to help fight disease, as well as anthocyanin, a pigment shown to boost brainpower, notes 2017 research. One study found that people who ate the greatest amount of this fruit were less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults, notes 2018 research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Now that you know the healthiest fruits you can buy, find out the healthiest fish you should be eating.
