Health Beat: Fruitastic
Content by: NCES, Inc.
Eating fruit provides many different health benefits. It has been proven that people who eat more fruit as part of their overall diet are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
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Eating fruit is also associated with better weight management. Fruits are low on calories, as compared to that of other foods due to a high water and fiber content.
For the most benefit, eat a wide variety of colors of fruits. Generally, the darker the fruit, the better it is for you. Often times the darker fruits have more antioxidants. Antioxidants are all of the vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and polyphenois present in the foods that significantly slow or prevent the oxidation (damage of oxygen) process, and will prevent or repair damage to the cells in your body.
Color code your Fruits!
Green:
Limes, Kiwi, Honeydew, Green Grapes
Green Fruit Health Advantages:
Protect eyesight and reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration, an eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Red:
Watermelon, Red Grapes, Cranberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Pink Grapefruit, Papaya
Red Fruit Health Advantages:
Provides antioxidants that can ward off inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Yellow:
Grapefruit, Pineapple, Lemons
Yellow Fruit Health Advantages:
May help strengthen the immune system due to increased amounts of vitamin C. Also helps maintain healthy digestion.
Orange:
Apricots, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Mangos
Orange Fruit Health Advantages:
Helps maintain eye health and can also delay cognitive aging and protect skin from sun damage.
Purple:
Blackberries, Plums, Prunes, Blueberries, Raisins, Purple Grapes, Figs
Purple Fruit Health Advantages: May slow down age related loss of brain activity. Acts a an anti-inflammatory and may guard against cancer.
White:
Pear, Banana
White Fruit Health Advantages:
May protect the heart due to high potassium content.