Fruits are natures wonderful gift to mankind; indeed, they are life-enhancing medicines packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and many nutritionists (Plant derived micro-nutrients).
They are an absolute feast to our sight, not just because of their color and flavor but for their unique nutrition-profile that help human body free from diseases and keep it healthy!
Fruits are not only delicious but healthful too. Rich in vitamins A and C, plus folate and other essential nutrients, they may help prevent heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent some types of cancer and guard against vision loss.
Nutritional value (1/2 medium): 54 calories, 1.5 g fiber, source of vitamins A and E
Disease-fighting factor: Mangoes are high in the antioxidant lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in adults).
Did you know? Mangoes can be enjoyed ripe as a sweet, juicy dessert choice or unripe as a sour, crunchy addition to chutney and salads.
Nutritional value (1 medium): 62 calories, 3 g fiber, source of vitamin C, folate and potassium
Disease-fighting factor: Oranges are a good source of folate, an important vitamin for pregnant women that can help prevent neural tube defects in their infants.
They also contain a phytochemical called hesperidin, which may lower triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels.
Did you know? The edible white part of the orange rind has nearly the same amount of vitamin C as the flesh, so eat that part too!
Nutritional value (1/2 medium): 59 calories, 3 g fiber, source of folate, vitamins A and C
Disease-fighting factor: Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Plus, their high vitamin A content aids in maintaining the health of the skin.
Did you know? The black seeds inside the papaya are edible and have a sharp, spicy flavor. Try blending them into salad dressing as a substitute for black pepper.
Nutritional value (1 medium): 75 calories, 3 g fiber
Disease-fighting factor: Apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma. Apples are also a natural mouth freshener and clean your teeth with each crunchy bite.
Did you know? An apple's flavor and aroma comes from fragrance cells in apple skin, so for maximum flavor, don't peel your apple. Plus, the vitamins lie just beneath the skin.
Nutritional value ( Avocado): 114 calories, 4.5 g fiber, source of vitamin E and folate
Disease-fighting factor: Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels when eaten instead of harmful saturated fats. For a heart-healthy boost, replace butter with avocado on your favorite sandwich.
Did you know? Babies love avocados. Their soft, creamy texture makes them easy to eat, and their high fat content helps with normal infant growth and development.
Nutritional value (1 medium): 105 calories, 3 g fiber, source of vitamin B6, potassium and folate
Disease-fighting factor: With 422 milligrams of potassium per banana, these sweet delights have more potassium than most fruit and may help lower blood pressure levels.
Did you know? People with rubber latex allergies may also be allergic to bananas since the two come from similar trees and share a common protein.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 ml): 31 calories, 4 g fiber, rich in antioxidants
Disease-fighting factor: Blackberries get their deep purple color from the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin, which may help reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Studies show that blackberry extract may help stop the growth of lung cancer cells.
Did you know? The ancient Greeks called blackberries "gout-berries" and used them to treat gout-related symptoms.
Nutritional value (2 dried figs): 42 calories, 1.5 g fiber, source of potassium, calcium and iron
Disease-fighting factor: High in fiber, figs may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Did you know? Pure figs make an excellent substitute for fat (like butter or oil) in baked goods. Simply pure 1 cup (250 ml) of dried figs with 1/4 cup (50 ml) of water, then replace half of the fat called for in the recipe with an equal amount of the fig mixture.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/ 125 ml): 53 calories, less than 1 g fiber, source of manganese
Disease-fighting factor: Grapes contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure levels and lowering the risk of blood clots. Resveratrol may also help stop the spread of breast, stomach and colon cancer cells.
Did you know? You can freeze red and green grapes and use them as colorful ice cubes in your favorite drinks. They add a special touch to sparkling water or Champagne.
Nutritional value (1/2 grapefruit): 52 calories, 2 g fiber, source of vitamin A
Disease-fighting factor: Pink grapefruit contains lycopene and flavonoids, which may help protect against some types of cancer. Grapefruit also boasts an ample supply of pectin, a soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels.
Did you know? Grapefruit can heighten the effect of certain drugs, including cholesterol-lowering stains. Check with your pharmacist to see if grapefruit may interfere with any of your medications.
Nutritional value (1 large): 56 calories, 3 g fiber, source of vitamins C and E, and of magnesium and potassium
Disease-fighting factor: With more vitamin C than oranges, kiwis can help in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. They can also help lower blood triglyceride levels (high triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease).
Did you know? Most people remove the fuzzy skin, but kiwis can actually be eaten whole ‚skin and all.
Nutritional value (1 medium): 96 calories, 5 g fiber
Disease-fighting factor: Much of the fiber found in pears is soluble, which can help prevent constipation. Soluble fiber may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.
Did you know? Unlike most other fruits, pears don't ripen well on the tree. Instead, pears are harvested when mature and are allowed to finish ripening under controlled conditions.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 ml): 40 calories, 1 g fiber
Disease-fighting factor: Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein and helps aid digestion. Bromelain may also help prevent blood clots, inhibit growth of cancer cells and speed wound healing.
Did you know? Since bromelain breaks down protein, pineapple juice makes an excellent marinade and tenderizer for meat.
Nutritional value (1/2 fruit): 53 calories, less than 1 g fiber, source of vitamin A and potassium
Disease-fighting factor: Pomegranates contain antioxidant tannin, which may protect the heart. Studies show that daily consumption of pomegranate juice may promote normal blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Did you know? Pomegranates contain glistening, jewel-like seeds called arils that can be pressed into juice. One medium pomegranate yields about 1/2 cup (125 ml) of juice.
Nutritional value (3 prunes): 60 calories, 2 g fiber, source of vitamin A
Disease-fighting factor: Prunes are a source of the mineral boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis. Prunes also impart a mild laxative effect due to their high content of a natural sugar called sorbitol.
Did you know? Marketers in the United States are trying to legally rename prunes "dried plums" to appeal to a younger market.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 ml): 32 calories, 4 g fiber, source of folate and magnesium
Disease-fighting factor: Raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant that may help prevent cervical cancer. Promising studies in animals have led researchers to believe that raspberries may also help treat esophageal and colon cancer.
Did you know? Raspberries are so perishable that only three per cent of Canada's raspberry crop is sold fresh. The remaining berries are used to make jam, baked goods and other delicacies.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 ml): 23 calories, 1.5 g fiber, source of vitamin C
Disease-fighting factor: Strawberries are rich in several antioxidants that have
anti-inflammatory properties, including helping to prevent atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) and to suppress the progression of cancerous tumours.
Did you know? The flavor and color of strawberries is enhanced by balsamic vinegar. For a fabulous dessert, drizzle balsamic vinegar over ripe strawberries and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional value (1 medium): 22 calories, 1.5 g fiber, source of vitamin A, folate and potassium
Disease-fighting factor: Tomatoes are nature's best source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against advanced-stage prostate cancer.
Did you know? Tomatoes cooked with a touch of oil provide more lycopene than raw tomatoes, so a rich tomato sauce made with olive oil is a healthy choice.
Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 ml): 23 calories, less than 1 g fiber, source of vitamin A
Disease-fighting factor: Watermelon is 92 per cent water, making it aptly named. It's a great addition to any weight-loss diet because it is low in calories and satisfies the sweet tooth.
Did you know? Watermelon rinds and seeds are both edible. Roasted, seasoned seeds make a great snack food, and the juicy rind can be stir-fried, stewed, or pickled.
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