Healthy Living #4

Most of us probably eat if everyday…fruit. But why? And which fruit is beneficial for what health issue? Find out more…

Benefits

Fruit contains little calories, yet contain a lot of vitamins and are therefore great snacks. If you feel like eating something sweet (or you are a sweet tooth), having fruit around is a great idea. It can satisfy your need for sugar and eating natural sugars (such as fruit) is always better than processed sugars (cookies & candy). Furthermore, you can eat fruit in all different ways, whatever is convenient for you. Frozen in a smoothie, dried on your way to work or turn it into juice. 

Fruit is also a great source of fiber. If you don't feel like eating a sandwich or oatmeal, you can go for apples, berries or a kiwi. Avocado is also classified as a fruit, and contains not only fiber but it also works against cardiovascular diseases. Eating fruit in general will lower your chances of getting ill. 

With some TLC you can easily grow your own fruit. It saves money and you can ensure that they contain no pesticides. Apples, cherries, pears and strawberries are successful DIY's. If you live in a more warm area (e.g. California, Florida) you can also try oranges and lemons. 

Citrus fruits

Think of everything that can taste sour; oranges, lemon, lime and grape fruit. Mostly known for its high amount of vitamin C and a great source of flavonoid. Deficiency in vitamin C can cause scurvy, as well as a weak immune system. Unless your orange juice is 100% real, with no added ingredients, don't bother drinking it. You will drink more sugar than getting some vitamins. Think about the fact that if you'd squeeze the orange yourself you can never fill a glass with just one orange. I like to add lemon juice to my water (although it's not that good for your teeth). Flavonoid works antibacterial and is supposed to play a role against cancer, or slowing the progress of it. 

Berries

Blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, dew berry, cranberry, grapes etc. This list is actually very long, but I am sure you get the point, and know most of these. Berries are a well known source of antioxidants. Extensive research has been done on this subject. It was 'proven' at first to work against cancer and cardiovascular diseases, however later research showed no real proof. Of course, it depends in what kind of diet you add them. It is also a source of vitamin C, and supposed to give great hair, nails and clear skin. They are high in fiber and consist mostly of water, so a great snack in between meals. Also, cranberries can prevent UTI's and bladder infections. 

Tropical fruit

Eating these fruits always gives me the feeling I'm on some deserted bounty island. Bananas, coconuts, mango, papaya, lychee and avocados (!) are all part of this category. Firs tot all, being a vegetarian, bananas are a great fruit to add to your diet. (Unfortunately I cannot eat them, all I'll say is starch & digestion...TMI?). I think bananas are kind of the go-to fruit for everyone. In a hurry? Just take one with you. They fill you up and give you the energy boost you were needing. Tropical fruits are also a great source of fiber and vitamin A (watermelon, papaya, mango) B (mango and banana) and C (pineapple). 

Pome fruit

This category contains the famous apple and pear. An apple a day keeps the doctor away…well it's true. These two are eaten a lot worldwide and, again, are a great source of fiber. Eating fruit with skin means that you must wash these thoroughly, apples have supposedly the most pesticides from all fruit. Or even better, grow them yourselves. Depending on where you live you might need to take extra precautions in winter time, but overall you can grow them anywhere. It is also better to eat these with skin rather than without as you will be missing out on vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat, calories and providing you with vitamin A and C. 

Don't forget…

Articles and research always state that you should eat this and that because it will prevent this kind of cancer. However, it is not just by eating that apple everyday that you are protected from heart attacks. If you'd eat ten pop tarts everyday, a bag of chips AND ten berries, it does not lower your changes of getting cancer. It will if you add it to a healthy lifestyle. So it is not about eating that superfood, it is about the whole circle, and fruit being a part of it. Keep variety and don't bore yourself with eating the same apple and banana everyday, but mix it up.