12 Healthiest Fruits In this article, we look at the nutrition and the many and varied health benefits of these and other fruits you can find in the planet.

Lemons Lemons contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that benefit health. Lemons are a citrus fruit that people often use in traditional remedies because of their health benefits. Like other citrus fruits, they contain vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Antioxidants are essential for human health. These compounds mop up free radicals in the body that can damage the body’s cells and lead to diseases, such as cancers.

Researchers believe that the flavonoids in lemon and other citrus fruits have antibacterial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties.

Lemons also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin A.

Strawberries Strawberries are a juicy, red fruit with a high water content. The seeds provide plenty of dietary fiber per serving. Strawberries contain many healthful vitamins and minerals.

Of particular note, they contain anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that can help boost heart health. The fiber and potassium in strawberries can also support a healthy heart.

In one study, women who ate 3 or more servings per week of strawberries and blueberries — which are both known for their high anthocyanin content — had a lower risk of having a heart attack than those with lower intake.

Strawberries and other colorful berries also contain a flavonoid called quercetin. This is a natural anti-inflammatory compound.

Strawberries also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A and K.

Read more about strawberries.

Oranges Oranges are a sweet, round citrus fruit packed with vitamins and minerals.

Oranges are among the richest sources of vitamin C, with one medium fruit providing 117 percent of a person’s daily value of vitamin C.

Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. This vitamin is also essential for immune system function. It boosts immune function by helping the body to absorb iron from plant-based foods.

The human body cannot make vitamin C itself, so people need to get this vitamin from their diet.Oranges also contain high levels of pectin, which is a fiber that can keep the colon healthy by binding to chemicals that can cause cancer and removing them from the colon.

Oranges also provide the following healthful vitamins:

vitamin A, a compound that is important for healthy skin and eyesight B-vitamins, including thiamin and folate, which help keep the nervous and reproductive systems healthy and help create red blood cells. Read more about the benefits of oranges.

People can also grate orange peel into a salad, yogurt, or as a cereal topping to add extra flavor.

Limes Limes are a sour citrus fruit that provide a range of health benefits.

Like other citrus fruits, limes provide a healthful dose of vitamin C. They also have similar health benefits, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Grapefruit Grapefruits contain flavonoids, which can help protect against some cancers, inflammation, and obesity. Grapefruits are sour fruits full of health-inducing vitamins and minerals. Grapefruits can be pink, red, or white.

The flavonoids in grapefruits can help protect against some cancers, inflammation, and obesity.

A review study suggests the compounds called furanocoumarins found in grapefruits can help protect against oxidative stress and tumors and may support healthy bones.

People may wish to see a doctor before adding grapefruit to their diet, as it can interact with certain medications.

Blackberries Like other berries, blackberries contain health-boosting anthocyanins.

Blackberries contain many seeds, so they have a high fiber content. This means they can help improve gut health and heart health.

Half a cup of blackberries contains the following nutrients:

Apples Apples make a quick and easy addition to the diet. Eat them with the skin on for the greatest health benefits.

Apples are high-fiber fruits, meaning that eating them could boost heart health and promote weight loss. The pectin in apples helps to maintain good gut health.

Research has shown that there is a link between eating apples regularly and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Apples also have high levels of quercetin, a flavonoid which may have anti-cancer properties.

One study found that people who ate whole apples were 30 percent less likely to be obese than those who did not. This can lower the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Pomegranate Many people consider pomegranates to be a ‘superfood.’ They are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help to combat the oxidative stress that can cause disease in the body.

Eat pomegranates with the seeds to get the fiber benefits.

One pomegranate also contains 46.2 micrograms (mcg) of the recommended 80 mcg daily allowance of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for strong bones and healthy blood cells.

A review study about the health benefits of pomegranates suggests that they have anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect against brain-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This may be because pomegranates contain particularly high levels of polyphenols.

Research discussed in this review also suggests that pomegranates may restrict the growth of human prostate cancer cells.

Pineapple Pineapple is an exotic fruit that may help reduce inflammation and promote healthy tissue growth.

Pineapple contains an active compound called bromelain, which many people take as a dietary supplement because of its potential health benefits.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health state that bromelain can help with reducing nasal inflammation or sinusitis. However, scientists need to carry out more research into its benefits for osteoarthritis and its anticancer potential.

Pineapples contain manganese, which the body uses to build bone and tissue. A medium slice of pineapple also contains the following nutrients:

Bananas Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps the body control heart rate and blood pressure. Bananas are well known for their high potassium content. A medium banana contains 422 mg of the adequate adult intake of 4,500 mg of potassium. Potassium helps the body control heart rate and blood pressure.

Bananas are also a good source of energy, with one banana containing 105 calories and 26.95 g of carbohydrate.

The 3.1 g of fiber in a regular banana can also help with regular bowel movements and stomach issues, such as ulcers and colitis.

Avocado Many people refer to avocados as a superfood because of their healthful qualities.

Avocados are rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat which helps lower cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association say that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels with healthful fats could reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Like bananas, avocados are rich in potassium. They also contain lutein, an antioxidant which is important for healthy eyes and skin.

Avocados also contain folate, vitamin A, and beta-carotene.

Blueberries Blueberries are another superfood that can provide many health benefits.

Like strawberries, blueberries contain anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Because of this, they might protect against heart disease, stroke, cancers, and other diseases.

Blueberries also contain pterostilbene, a compound that may help prevent plaque from collecting in the arteries.

Summary Fruits come in all shapes and sizes, and different fruits have different health benefits. For the best results, add a variety of fruits to the diet.

By eating fruit, a person is providing their body with key vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. This can have significant benefits for heart health, digestion, weight management, and skin health.

People can enjoy a wide variety of fruits to improve their health and lower the risk of inflammation, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.