Fruits are delicious and packed with nutrition. With supermarkets offering an extremely wide selection of fruits to choose from, it can really be a hassle picking out which fruit to eat!
Not sure which ones to pick? Here are five commonly found fruits and their benefits to meet your dietary requirements.
Apples
While the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be entirely true, it is definitely a step in the right direction. Apples are rich in nutrients including fibre, Vitamin C and plant polyphenols (a disease-fighting compound). Also, this yummy fruit helps you manage your blood sugar levels, and supports your stomach and gut health while lowering the risk of stroke, cancer and other ailments.
Here’s a tip before you grab the paring knife to remove the skin of your apple for a quick snack. Polyphenols in apples are located just below the skin. Don’t peel the skin off, give it a good wash and eat it for extra nutrition!
Bananas
We often see many athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts chowing down on bananas, and for good reason. We love bananas because they are delicious, easy to consume, and are excellent sources of easily digested carbohydrates that fuel a tiring workout!
Bananas are also rich in potassium, Vitamin B6 and C. Additionally, they are chock-full of magnesium, a component that has been suggested to improve blood sugar control and gut health, while also providing a metabolism boost. Now you know which fruit to reach out for if you’re looking for a sweet treat that also helps with digestion!
Mangoes
What do you think of when the phrase “king of fruits” is mentioned? If durian comes to mind, think again.
For many people, the King of Fruits is not the thorny fruit loved by Southeast Asians, but the humble mango! This is because of mangoes’ stellar list of nutritional benefits. They contain a wealth of minerals and vitamins, including potassium, fibre, and the Vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
More notably, mangoes are high in a potent antioxidant, mangiferin. Mangiferin has been proven to protect your body from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Give this royal fruit a go the next time you’re stocking up on fruits in the supermarket.
Oranges
If you’ve been wondering which fruit has the highest percentage of Vitamin C, look no further. Oranges are best known for their high Vitamin C content, which is enough to fulfill 91% of an average adult’s daily Vitamin C needs in just a single fruit! They are also rich in potassium, Vitamin B1 and B9, as well as plant polyphenols. Munch on a slice of orange for better regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and for a lowered risk of inflammation.
However, oranges do not rank so highly in the fibre department. If you’re opting to get your daily Vitamin C fix with a glass of orange juice, remember to include the pulp to help meet your daily fibre requirements.
Watermelons
Lastly, everyone’s favourite go-to summer fruit — watermelons. These orbs of juicy goodness are rich in Vitamins A, C, potassium and magnesium. Significantly, watermelons are known for their high levels of lycopene, which also gives watermelons their signature bright red colour. Lycopene is known to help lower oxidative stress, inflammation and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Watermelons are also brimming with water content, and we know how incredibly important it is to stay hydrated. Take a slice of watermelon, savour the flavour and enjoy its nutritional benefits and the extra dose of water intake!
Did this list make it easier for you to decide on which fruit you’re going to stock up on during your next grocery run? We may have helped to narrow down some of your choices, but remember this. No singular fruit can fulfill all your dietary needs; pick a variety of fruits for a yummy and healthy boost of nutrients!
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