Eating plenty of fruit is a delicious and healthy way to add vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to our diets every day. Fruit makes a great addition to any meal or snack and comes with numerous benefits. Here are just a few benefits of your favorite kinds of fruit:
Related Blog: 5 Health Benefits of Eating Vegetables
Apples are a crisp and sweet treat that has likely been a part of your diet for a long time. They’re one of the most common fruits available and they come in a wide array of varieties from sour to sweet. Apples are great in all sorts of ways, including their use in desserts, savory dishes, or just on their own.
Because they're loaded with fiber (like most fruits), they can help curb your appetite, keep you feeling full, and can promote weight loss. Packed with vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6, regular apple consumption is linked to a lower risk of some types of cancer and diabetes.
Like apples, bananas are something you’ve probably been eating your entire life. They’re a popular breakfast food but are also a nice treat at any time of day.
Like apples, they have loads of fiber but are probably best known for their potassium content. Potassium is key for promoting a healthy heart and blood pressure. And because bananas are naturally low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, they can be a quick source of carbs and energy that won't slow you down. And their tough peel means you can pack them in a purse, gym bag, or backpack for a snack on the go.
Juicy peaches are one of the best fruits of the late summer months. While they're great tossed in salads, baked in pies, or even thrown on the grill, they're also fantastic on their own. And because they're loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, they make a great addition to any meal. The flesh and skin of peaches are particularly high in carotenoids, which are antioxidants that have anti-cancer properties. And because one medium peach has just under 60 calories, they are a delicious treat that won't break your diet.
A Florida favorite, oranges bring a bright and tart flavor that is unique to citrus. While their high vitamin C content might be the orange's biggest claim to fame, it isn't the only thing that makes them amazingly healthy. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help protect your body against conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Grapes are a favorite because they're available all year round and are a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
Though grapes do tend to be a bit higher in calories and sugar than other fruits, they're still a healthy choice any time of day. Stick to a serving of around 30 of these tiny fruits to reap the benefits without going overboard.
Berries—like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries—are some of the healthiest fruits on the planet. Don't be deceived by their tiny size. Blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch, providing many essential nutrients. Try adding a few to your morning cereal or yogurt, or add a handful to a smoothie to incorporate them easily into your diet.
Here at Moorings Park Communities, we strive to give our members the most deliciously healthy meals. In fact, each of our various restaurant’s menus change weekly, delivering creative, tasty, health-conscious cuisine options, featuring organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free meals. Learn more about how Moorings Park’s luxury independent living communities can enrich your life by contacting us for more information.