The Top Twelve Fruits to Have In Your Diet

Apples
You can buy a bag of organic or regular apples at a pretty reasonable price. This is one fruit that you should have every day because of its accessibility and nutritional value. It cleanses the body, lowers cholesterol, keeps blood glucose levels up, and aids digestion. The pectin and skin of apples serves as a good source of fiber too. They are also a good source of Vitamin A and also contain Vitamin C and B. It is high in two powerful phytochemicals: pectin which helps to lower both cholesterol and colon cancer, and boron which helps to prevent osteoporosis and stimulates the electrical activity of the brain, increasing the ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently. An apple a day does keep the doctor away. This is one fruit that you can and must incorporate into your health regimen. Get organic if you can.  

Oranges and other Citrus
This and other citrus like grapefruit and lemon contain high levels of vitamin C. It also contains a compound called limonene that prevents breast cancer. Oranges also contain choline, which improves mental functioning. The combined package of carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, limonoids and coumarins make citrus fruit a cancer fighting juggernaut.

Papayas
This fruit is high in vitamin A, C, and potassium. The antioxidant papain in papaya is a superb anti-inflammatory.  Please read my write up on this fruit in a past article.

Apricots
This fruit is very high in beta carotene, with the dried version (1/2 cup) containing very high levels. This vitamin A precursor prevents the formation of plaque deposits in arteries, thus preventing heart disease. Apricots help to normalize blood pressure, heart function and maintain normal body fluid levels. They contain no fat or sodium, but is high in potassium, boron, iron, magnesium and fiber.    

Mangoes
They are very very high in Vitamin A, C, Potassium, niacin, and fiber. It's a power packed fruit when it comes to these vitamins. It's hard to get, but if you find them in the market, add a few to a fruit salad. They help protect against cancer and atherosclerosis, and assists the body in fighting infection. 

Red Grapes
They contain ellagic and caffeic acid, which deactivate csarcinogens. Flavonoids in grape juice have heart-protective effects. They are a good source of potassium. Resveratrol, found in red wine and red grape juice has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
 

Kiwi
This fruit is high in vitamin C and E (one of the few fruit to contain vitamin E), which acts as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage.

Bananas
The incredible edible banana is here to save your potassium deficient day. Just eat one of these babies each day to keep your heart pumping regularly. It also keeps  the cholesterol down and lowers blood pressure. It beats off little bacterial buggies from proliferating in your tummy, and at the same time, prevents stomach ulcers. The great thing about this fruit is this: it comes in an easy to remove wrapper. It's very kid friendly.   

Pineapples
Read about this fruit in my previous article.

Blackberries
This is a super duper antioxidant. I wish I lived in the Pacific Northwest where this berry grows like a weed. I know. I know. It's a nuisance, but not when it comes to good health. This berry packs a punch when it comes to vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, and manganese; not to mention the truckload of phytonutrients and bioflavonoids.  

Strawberries
Did you know the leaves can be used for dysentery and dairrhea? I know when you think strawberry, you don't think about such grotesque things, but I still think it is pretty interesting. Well, this fruit carries a compound called ellegic acid and Vitamin C, both well know as cancer fighting weapons for your immune system. Strawberries also battle gout, rheumatism, arthritis, and kidney stones.

Blueberries
Do you have dementia? Well, it wouldn't matter if you did because you would forget everything you read before you bought this wonderful fruit. Ha! Just kidding with you. This berry is known to enhance cognitive function and prevent the onset of alzheimers and dementia in older adults. It is rich in vitamin C, Potassium and a natural form of aspirin. The strong tannin content helps prevents bacterial growth in the body. It also adds extra fiber to smoothies. 

The common theme is this: Eat four to five servings of fruit per day as a strong preventive measure against cancer and heart disease, the top two killers today. Try to go organic if you can. Eat well and prosper.