Berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are extremely high in powerful antioxidants.  They are rich in vitamin C and fiber.  Blueberries are especially known for preventing heart disease because they aid in reducing blood pressure.  They also prevent brain damage and macular degeneration that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.  1 cup of blackberries contains 10 grams of fiber, the highest amount of all the berries.  When deciding what kind of berries to eat, choose the ones with the darkest color.  They seem to provide the most nutritional benefits.

An apple a day really will keep the doctor away.  They contain flavonoid antioxidants which reduce one’s risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer.  Never avoid eating apple skin because it contains pectin and up to 5 grams of fiber.  Apples are a low calorie fruit—there are only 80 calories in one medium apple adding to its several benefits.

Cherries are one of the healthiest fruits because of their high iron content.  Iron is needed to provide oxygen to red blood cells.  They also contain disease fighting flavonoids and many other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium and folate.  Cholesterol and inflammation can be reduced by eating cherries.

Vitamin C, a helpful antioxidant, can be found in high amounts in citrus fruits.  Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system, protect against cardiovascular disease and prevent prenatal problems.  Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are a great source of folate and fiber.  They contain numerous other vitamins and minerals that can help to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk for certain cancers.

Grapes, especially red grapes, contain antioxidants like flavonoids, anthocyanin’s and resveratrol which have been proven to reduce risks for heart disease and cancer.  They have an abundance of iron, potassium and fiber.  One cup of grapes only contains 60 calories, so they are a low calorie food with a high amount of nutrients.

Kiwifruits contain an abundance of vitamin c.  They are also an excellent source of vitamins A and E and electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium.  These little fruits have been shown to prevent certain respiratory diseases and improve function of the immune system.

Apricots are not as popular as other fruits, but they should be because of their healthy benefits. They are low in calories, and high in vitamins A, C and E.  Minerals such as iron, potassium and carotenoids are found in apricots.  They also contain a substance called lycopene which helps to protect the eyes.  The antioxidants in apricots are known to prevent skin cancer.

And finally, bananas.  Bananas are known to be high in potassium, an electrolyte that helps with muscle function and reducing high blood pressure risks.  They also contain tryptophan, a substance that causes the release of relaxing hormones.  Bananas are filling because of their high fiber content, another benefit.

It is easier to incorporate fruit into your diet when you know how healthy it is for you.  It is recommended that individuals consume at least 3 to 5 servings of produce daily.  This is not as hard as people think it is, considering the many types of fruit there are to choose from!  Knowing that the tastiest fruits provide the most benefits is another fact to take into consideration when choosing fruit.

Brianna Elliott is a regular contributor at PSCLife.com, and absolutely loves fruit of all kinds (particularly the healthiest fruits listed in this article).  PSCLife.com is a leading online retailer of Cran-Gyn DDS, a cranberry extract-based supplement designed to manage urinary tract infections and yeast health.  It also contains DDS probiotics for an overall improved immune system.

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Ingredients:

* 1 large ruby-red grapefruit or 3 blood oranges
* 2 small fresh fennel bulbs, trimmed, halved vertically, sliced paper-thin
* 1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
* Extra-virgin olive oil
* Sea salt flakes

Directions:

Cut off top and bottom ends of grapefruit. Stand on 1 flat side. Starting at top of fruit, cut off all peel and white pith, following curve of fruit. Working over bowl, cut between membranes, releasing segments; squeeze any juice into bowl. Transfer segments to another bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover juice and segments separately and chill.

Combine fennel and herbs in large bowl. Cut grapefruit segments into 1/3- to 1/2-inch cubes. Add to bowl with fennel and toss to coat. Arrange salad on platter. Drizzle lightly with oil, then grapefruit juice, if desired. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve.

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Nutritional Information:
Excellent source of vitamin B-6 and a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C.

What To Look For:
Bananas are ripe when the skin is a rich yellow color with a few brown specks.

Easy Storage and Preparation:
Store at room temperature so that fruit will continue to ripen for about a week. You can freeze overripe bananas for later use in breads and muffins.

Best Uses:
Spritz the banana with lemon juice after slicing to prevent discoloration. Use overripe bananas in banana bread or muffins. Brush bananas with orange juice and broil for a fantastic dessert.

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