Fruits are one of the most important parts of a balanced diet because of their nutritional value, but how do you know which fruits are the healthiest? Given below is a list of the healthiest foods in terms of their antioxidant content, nutritional value, and energy.

Apples

An apple a day can really keep the doctor away. The best way to eat apples is with their skin, so that you get flavonoid antioxidants, pectin, and fiber. These fruits have little or no cholesterol as well, and its antioxidants can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other medical conditions. A regular sized apple has around 80 calories.

Apricots

Apricots mostly contain potassium, iron, carotenoids, and vitamin A, C, and E. The fruit has a nutrient known as lycopene that can help protect the eyes and prevent certain forms of cancer, heart disease, and LD cholesterol oxidation. Apricots also contain fiber that can help treat constipation. The average sized apricot contains around 19 calories.

Bananas

Bananas are cheap and also rich in potassium, which can reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke and improve muscle function. Bananas are also one of the most delicious fruits and act as a good natural substitute for sugar. The fruit contains fibers to keep your bowel movements normal and a regular banana contains around 108 calories.

Berries

Most berries have a very high concentration of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Apart from their nutritional value, berries are also very effective for treating and reducing the risk of diseases like stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Blueberries have the highest antioxidant content, and are associated with the treatment of high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease. A cup of blueberries has approximately 81 calories. The same amount of blackberries has around 74 calories and 10 grams of fiber, while raspberries have 60 calories and 8 grams of fiber. An equal amount of sliced strawberries has 50 calories and 4 grams of fiber.

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupes contain a high concentration of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, and they are linked to a reduced risk of cancer, inflammations, and cardiovascular disease. The fruits are also known to boost the immune system. Half a cantaloupe contains around 97 calories and 2 grams of fiber.

Cherries

These fruits contain vitamin C and E, flavonoids, folate, carotenoids, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Cherries are associated with the treatment of bad cholesterol, inflammation, and arthritic pain. They are also known to lower the risk of cancer. A regular cup of cherries has around 88 calories.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are extremely popular due to their high vitamin C concentration and natural sweetness. These fruits also contain other important nutrients, like vitamins, antioxidants, folate, fiber, and other minerals. They are associated with a lower risk of cholesterol, hypertension, and some types of cancer. A normal sized orange has 68 calories, while an equivalent weight of grapefruits contain 47 calories. The lowest calorie rating is of limes and lemons, with only 17 calories.

Dragon Fruit

A thorny fruit that contains a host of other nutrients such as carotene, phosphorus, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), iron, protein, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), carbohydrates and fibre.

Chef Lim Zhi Yuan is a celebrity chef who has more than 40 years of culinary experience around Asia. Prior to joining Asian Tasty Food Recipes, Chef Lim Zhi Yuan helmed numerous prestigious hotels and restaurants,including the Hilton and Banyan Tree. He is also a Master Chef contributor on Asia\’s largest Best of Cooking Recipe website – AsiaFoodRecipe.com

Chef Lim Zhi Yuan is a celebrity chef who has more than 40 years of culinary experience around Asia. Prior to joining Asian Food Recipes from Asia, Chef Lim Zhi Yuan helmed numerous prestigious hotels and restaurants, including the Hilton and Banyan Tree. http://www.AsiaFoodRecipe.com

Author Bio: Chef Lim Zhi Yuan is a celebrity chef who has more than 40 years of culinary experience around Asia. Prior to joining Asian Tasty Food Recipes, Chef Lim Zhi Yuan helmed numerous prestigious hotels and restaurants,including the Hilton and Banyan Tree. He is also a Master Chef contributor on Asia\’s largest Best of Cooking Recipe website – AsiaFoodRecipe.com

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: fruits, healthy living, vegan, dietary vegans,strict vegetarians,Veganism