The 8 Healthiest Fruits You Should Be Eating

Turns out an apple a day (and an orange, kiwi, and banana) can keep the doctor away. Your healthy bowl of fruit should look like this.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help fight cancer and prevent macular degeneration. Like cranberries, they contain compounds that can protect against urinary tract infections.

Oranges

A single orange gives you almost a full day's vitamin C, plus potassium. The opaque membrane around each wedge has hesperidin, which may lower cholesterol. Even the scent is calming, according to research.

Apples

Eat the skin for a high dose of fiber — both soluble (the type that helps lower cholesterol) and insoluble (it keeps you regular). In addition to meeting 15 percent of your daily fiber needs, an apple is crammed with antioxidants.


Bananas

High in potassium and low in sodium, bananas help lower your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Bonus: Protease inhibitors that can prevent stomach ulcers.

Kiwis

Ounce for ounce, kiwis contain more than twice as much vitamin C as oranges, plus they may lower the risk of cataracts and could even protect DNA from damage.

Red & Purple Grapes

Red wine isn't the only source of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that could help fight heart disease. You get nearly as much resveratrol in a cup of dark-colored grapes as you do in a five-ounce glass of merlot.

Strawberries

A daily handful helps control type 2 diabetes and stave off heart disease and inflammation. Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Papayas

These contain papain, a substance that helps improve your digestion. Papayas also provide a lot of vitamin C and are a good source of folate.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, May 2009.


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