Apples and oranges have, for quite some time, been the go-to for many of us. But there's a whole world of fruit out there, and many of them have major health benefits. From 2006 to 2007, sales of goji berry products shot up 75 percent and acai berry products by 50 percent. The questions is whether or not these fruits are actually better than our standard apples and oranges. Well, the truth is that they truly are higher in nutrients, but the secret to maximizing the benefits of these fruits is to make sure to eat a variety of them on a consistent basis. Here is a list of the superfruits we should consider eating more frequently:
Acai - A dark purple Brazilian berry rich in essential fatty acids and fiber. The fruit also contains powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Acerola - This is a sweet fruit with an apple-like flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, and contains immunity-boosting vitamin A, similar to a serving of carrots.
Blood Orange - The deep color of this sweet, tart orange comes from anthocyanin, an antioxidant that has been shown to help fight cancer, inflammation and diabetes.
Cherimoya - This tropical fruit can be sliced or scooped like an avocado and has a similar velvety texture to it. One fruit provides 7 grams of protein and 15 percent of your daily value of iron.
Goji Berry - This Asian fruit is most commonly found in its dried form and has been used in traditional medicine for years to enhance health and longevity. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, protein, trace minerals and B vitamins for a nutritional boost.
Guava - According to the USDA researchers, this fruit may be the highest of them all in antioxidants! One cup contains 8,500 micrograms of cancer-fighting lycopene and serves as many of the free-radicals as one serving of broccoli.
Papaya - This fruit is rich in immunity-building vitamin A and papain, an enzyme that aids digestion. It is a delicious addition to salads and stir-fries.
Passion Fruit - This intensely sweet tropical fruit is rich in cancer-fighting carotenoids, polyphenols and packs 12 grams of fiber per fruit.
Pomegranate - The seeds of this fruit are rich in polyphenols, that fight inflammation and may fend off cancer and heart disease. Eat these for a nutritious and tangy punch in your salads!
Prickly Pear - The pulp of this cactus fruit is sweet and mild, rich in potassium, and contains 10 percent of your daily calcium requirement in one cup. If you like watermelon, you're sure to like this fruit!
Star Fruit - This fruit truly is a star! It is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and contains 4 grams of fiver and fewer than 40 calories per fruit.
Ugli Fruit - With a lumpy and bumpy exterior, you wouldn't expect this fruit to be rich in vitamin C and A as well as potassium. It is the cousin of the grapefruit and is low in calories.
I challenge you to try some new fruits this coming year. The benefits will certainly make for a healthier New Year!
Healthy wishes,
Alissa Robertson, MS, RD
[email protected]
(802) 999-5684
Acai - A dark purple Brazilian berry rich in essential fatty acids and fiber. The fruit also contains powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Acerola - This is a sweet fruit with an apple-like flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, and contains immunity-boosting vitamin A, similar to a serving of carrots.
Blood Orange - The deep color of this sweet, tart orange comes from anthocyanin, an antioxidant that has been shown to help fight cancer, inflammation and diabetes.
Cherimoya - This tropical fruit can be sliced or scooped like an avocado and has a similar velvety texture to it. One fruit provides 7 grams of protein and 15 percent of your daily value of iron.
Goji Berry - This Asian fruit is most commonly found in its dried form and has been used in traditional medicine for years to enhance health and longevity. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, protein, trace minerals and B vitamins for a nutritional boost.
Guava - According to the USDA researchers, this fruit may be the highest of them all in antioxidants! One cup contains 8,500 micrograms of cancer-fighting lycopene and serves as many of the free-radicals as one serving of broccoli.
Papaya - This fruit is rich in immunity-building vitamin A and papain, an enzyme that aids digestion. It is a delicious addition to salads and stir-fries.
Passion Fruit - This intensely sweet tropical fruit is rich in cancer-fighting carotenoids, polyphenols and packs 12 grams of fiber per fruit.
Pomegranate - The seeds of this fruit are rich in polyphenols, that fight inflammation and may fend off cancer and heart disease. Eat these for a nutritious and tangy punch in your salads!
Prickly Pear - The pulp of this cactus fruit is sweet and mild, rich in potassium, and contains 10 percent of your daily calcium requirement in one cup. If you like watermelon, you're sure to like this fruit!
Star Fruit - This fruit truly is a star! It is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and contains 4 grams of fiver and fewer than 40 calories per fruit.
Ugli Fruit - With a lumpy and bumpy exterior, you wouldn't expect this fruit to be rich in vitamin C and A as well as potassium. It is the cousin of the grapefruit and is low in calories.
I challenge you to try some new fruits this coming year. The benefits will certainly make for a healthier New Year!
Healthy wishes,
Alissa Robertson, MS, RD
[email protected]
(802) 999-5684
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