The best way to get summer into your home is the bright colorful fruit. There is something in fruit that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Here are a few reasons to put one in your grocery cart today.
Tooth Fairies
Vitamin C fruits – oranges, limes, cantaloupe, strawberries, persimmons and lime – help kill bacteria that cause gingivitis and help increase collagen in the gums. December 2007 issue of Parents magazine stressed the value of these fruits, as well as some high in C veggies (tomatoes, bell pepper, sweet potatoes) for kids – brushing is not always in habit and any support in strengthening teeth is welcome.
Always on call
Fruit are excellent sources of nutrients that keep you healthy. Prunes and bananas are excellent sources of potassium which can maintain healthy blood pressure. There have been numerous studies proving that fruit lowers the risk of most common cancers (except prostate cancer). A meta-study of breast cancer risk found that a diet rich in fruit reduced the risk by 6%. Fruit lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart diseases, stroke and asthma. A Harvard-based Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study which monitored over 100,000 people over 14 years revealed that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables lowered the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Those who averaged 8 or more servings a day were 30% less likely to have had a heart attack or stroke. Fruit, particularly apples, is also good for your brain – a diet high in fruit can help prevent many diseases like Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.
Fill you up
Fruit is a great source of fiber, so it will make you feel full without a high amount of calories. November 2007 issue of Shape magazine listed grapefruit, pear and cranberries as great sources of fiber. 1 pear has 6 grams of fiber, which is predominantly soluble – a type of fiber that lowers your blood sugar as well as your cholesterol. 1 grapefruit has 4 grams of fiber and 1 cup of cranberries also offers 4 grams plus polyphenols, known antioxidant that keeps your heart strong. High-fiber fruit is great for reducing cholesterol but it also protects against atherosclerosis.
Fitness buddy
For their fiber and vitamin content fruit should be nominated as the best snack for kids and adults alike. It is also always on the go – easy to take with anywhere.
So if you know you will be out for a while or are looking for a different snack at work instead of candy, bring an apple or a banana with you – they will brighten your day and make eating on the go easy. If you are an active athlete, you know the importance of carbs for intensity training. Fruit is a good source of quality carbs and will help you train better and stay in better shape.
Beauty advisor
Some fruits, such as pomegranates, contain anthocyanins, which not only protect the blood vessels and lower pressure, but also boost skin’s collagen production. Summer fruits – peaches, plums, nectarines, blueberries – are high in antioxidants that protect skin against UV rays.
Make sure you eat fruit every day to stay, feel and look healthy. USDA recommends at least five servings a day of fruit in your diet.
