Fruit for health

Why are kiwis, apples, oranges, lemons, strawberries or pineapple good for you?

From: Celine

Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerlas, and antioxidants. It is also a source of fiber. All these fruit are extremely low on saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium - three of the inflammation factors for blood vessels. Fruits are very low on proteins. The bad news is that most calories in fruit come from sugars and these sugars usually concentrate in the juices - fruit juice is good in moderation, but not a substitution for water. You may consider it liquid candy for weight loss purposes. It should not be abused.

Oranges are a very good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. They are also a good source of folate, phosphorus, calcium and postassium. A cup of orange segments (about 180g) has only 85 calories. What does this mean? Oranges are mildly anti-inflammatory and good for a weight loss diet and will help to keep the balance of minerals.

Lemons are very good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium and copper.They are also a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, iron and magnesium. 1 fruit (about 100 g) without seeds only has 22 calories. Lemons aid with kidney function and helps to regulate cholesterol by keeping blood toxin free.

Strawberries are a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C or manganese, and a good source of folate and potassium. A cup of halved strawberries only has 42 calories. Consider strawberries good for a weight loss diet and a good aid in keeping the immune system functioning properly. Strawberries help lower levels of uric acid.

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. They also are as source of quercetin, an anti-oxidant supposed to help with allergies - research found apparently children that ate lots of apple when young had less incidence of asthma, but they did not seem to have the same lung protecting effect in adults. Biting an apple is also considered good to keep teeth clean and in good health - illness begins often in the mouth and oral health is very important. A cup of chopped apple (about 125 g) has only 65 calories.

Pineapple is a very good source of vitamin C and manganese. It is a good source of dietary fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and copper. A cup of pineapple chunks (about 165 g) has 82 calories and it is filling - good for weight loss. Pineapple is diuretic and it has enzymes that enzymes that break protein, so it aids with digestion. Raw pineapple juice is a good marinade to tenderize meat.

Kiwi is a very good source of vitamin C and - for a fruit - a good source of iron. Kiwis also have enzymes that break protein.

Some of these fruits are featured in our list of healthy food and you will find more healthful properties there.