Fresh Fruit Choices Contribute To Better Health

Fresh Fruit Choices Contribute To Better Health
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=T._O'Connor]T. O'Connor 

Unhealthy snacks like chips, granola bars, candy and soda are all too common and easy to choose both at home and in the workplace. You know the saying, "an apple a day can keep the doctor away." It turns out that there are more fruits to choose from that are advantageous; and, will improve your overall health and well-being.

Let's begin with some common superfood or superfruits such as blueberries, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries, and papayas. These delectable foods contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that can help you live a longer, healthier life.

• Blueberries - These delicious gems contain cancer fighting agents, and can also stave off urinary tract infections the same way that cranberries do.

• Oranges - The first thing that comes to mind with this juicy fruit is the fact that is contains loads of vitamin C. But did you know that oranges are also packed with potassium? And don't leave out the white membrane around the outer part, as this contains Hesperidin, an agent that can help lower cholesterol.

• Apples - Instead of taking fiber pills, include an apple a day with the skin included. Not only will this help keep you regular, but also contributes to lowering cholesterol. And this is in addition to their powerful antioxidants!

• Bananas - This powerful fruit has several healing properties, including helping with stomach ulcers, and lowering blood pressure, which decreases the risk of a stroke. Like oranges, bananas also contain potassium.

• Kiwis - The fruit from Down Under is a popular choice for holiday and party arrangements. These sweet gems contain twice the amount of vitamin C than oranges, and can even reduce the risk of cataracts and damage to DNA.

• Grapes - The most powerful of this bunch are the red and purple varieties. This fruit contains the same heart disease fighting component of red wine, Resveratrol, but without the alcohol content.

• Strawberries - This is often a fruit that is thought of during the late Spring and Summer months. But markets will usually have these available all year-round. Daily consumption can help with type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and inflammation. Strawberries also contain antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Papayas - A tropical fruit made in heaven. Papain is the powerful substance that can aid in digestion, and also provides a good source of vitamin C.

Not only do these powerful fresh fruit choices contain vitamins and minerals they are pre-biotic fuel for the pro-biotic or good bacteria in the gut. This can have a direct effect on your immune system, and in fact almost 85% of your immune cells reside in your gut. Adding these to your diet will help stave off disease, and yes, keep the doctor away.

Tom O'Connor is the CEO and founder of Market Fresh Fruit in Seattle, WA, which provides offices and worksites with premium quality fruit as healthy alternatives to sweet, high-fat or salty snacks each week. http://marketfreshfruit.com/

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fresh-Fruit-Choices-Contribute-To-Better-Health&id=8190782] Fresh Fruit Choices Contribute To Better Health