A lot of the focus at MonaVie Answers is around fruit and the health benefits that they provide. The main reason fruits are considered healthy is because they are the healthiest alternative to the things we usually eat for snacks. Most of the popular snacks of today are full of sugar and sodium. Unhealthy treats such as candy, cookies, cake, ice cream, potato chips, soda and punch, are a major cause of illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. They are also major contributors to obesity, which is an increasing problem in our country. The most healthy fruits can help conquer these problems.
Choosing the most healthy fruits for yourself requires recognizing what your body craves, and what nutrients it may be lacking. Some fruits are lower in calories, while others may be higher in iron. Here are 10 most healthy fruits based on the amount of vitamin content they provide:
1. Guava – many consider this one of the most healthy fruits
• Low In: calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: High fiber, large amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper and manganese, which helps with the body’s enzimes
o Provides carotenoids, which help your immune and reproductive systems function properly.
2. Watermelon – can be very filling as an snack
o Low In: calories, saturated Fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron
o 100 percent of USDA recommended amount of carotenoids
o 25 percent of USDA recommended fiber and potassium.
3. Grapefruit – commonly used as a dietary supplement
• Low In: calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium
4. Kiwi – also known as Chinese gooseberries
o Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: vitamin C, vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), vitamin K, potassium and Copper
o Very high in fiber content
5. Papayas – one of the most healthy fruits of the exotic-types
o Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: calcium and iron
o Good Source of: dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C
o High in folate, which is good for cell growth and reproduction
6. Cantaloupe – one of the most healthy fruits in the melon family
o Low In: cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium
o Contains: dietary fiber, vitamin B6, calcium, iron and folate
o High source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium
o Also contains niacin, which helps the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract functioning normally
7. Dried apricots – an excellent fiber source
o Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: potassium and calcium
o Very good source of vitamin A and very high in iron
8. Blueberries – full of antioxidants, which counteract deterioration of stored foods in the system
Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
Contains: fiber, calcium and iron
Very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese
9. Strawberries – a less expensive and easier to find berry
o Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: folate and potassium
o Very good source of fiber, vitamin C and manganese
10. Tangerines – also known as mandarin oranges
o Low In: saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
o Contains: vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron
o Great source of dietary fiber and carotenoids
The most healthy fruits provide an alternative when you are in the mood for something sweet, salty or bitter. When you’re craving sugar, a thick slice of sweet watermelon or a few large, sweet strawberries can be just as satisfying as a pack of cookies. Instead of a sour piece of candy, try a nice healthy sour lemon instead. In the mood for something bitter? Slice yourself a nice, ripe grapefruit for a healthier version of a bitter treat. Pairing fruit as a snack with MonaVie can boost your health and provide your body with many of the nutrients it needs.