Fruits are an essential part of a daily diet yet contrary to popular opinion fruits are not necessarily the healthiest food on earth. Although the combination of fruits, as well as manner of intake, makes it quite healthy if you are in search of healthy foods to eat. Just as there is a fruit for every season there are also fruits for every individual depending on their nutritional or health status.

Seeing as natural sugars are all the rave, here are 5 of my best sources to get my daily dose of natural sugars.

APPLES

“An apple a day keeps the …” yes you know the rest. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They are nutritious and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This means they play a role in reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, arthritis and a bunch of lifestyle diseases. This is probably why apples were branded the healthiest fruits way back in the day. Apples are really popular and there’s no gainsaying the fact that a lot of scientific evidence backs this. Apples are low in calories and so you don’t have to worry about packing on those extra calories.

BANANAS

Bananas are power packed fruits. Just a finger of banana is able to supply you with enough energy for a couple of hours. Bananas are my go to pre-workout snack, they are heathy and I could just quickly prepare them into a smoothie. Ripe bananas are relatively high in sugars and so it is advised that a person can take just one finger of bananas at one meal sitting in order to avoiding raising your blood sugar level excessively This is why there is a lot of skepticism involved when considering if people with Type 2 diabetes should take bananas. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and Vitamin B6. The potassium in banana promotes heart health. Bananas are also rich in antioxidants. The low glycemic index of bananas makes it possible to consume them in moderation.

AVOCADOS

Avocados have to be the most diverse fruits. Beginning from the fact that most fruits are high in sugar and contain little or no fat. You might be surprised to see avocados on this list but they are in fact fruits. You’re probably thinking avocados are some type of fruity nuts? Right? Or maybe a vege-fruit? Haha

According to scientific research and botanical studies avocados are in fact berries. Avocados are highly nutritious with a large percentage of the energy gotten from them coming from fats. Avocados even contain more potassium than bananas, this makes them heart healthy. The fat contained in avocados makes it easier to absorb nutrients from plants (fat soluble vitamins). Avocados are great in smoothies and deserts. They can be even used as a healthy salad dressing for all you fit fam faithful’s and any one really that wants to adopt a healthier diet. Avocados can also be used as a heathy substitute for butter when baking (fat replacement) they even go well in chocolate cakes and sweet drinks. And don’t forget to try out avocado as bread spread.

P.S 77% of the fat in avocados are good fats.

PINEAPPLES

Pineapples are exotic fruits and rightly so, they grow well in tropical climate which is why we find pineapples in abundance all over the country. Whenever I take pineapples I always get that vacation vibe and I finally have the scientific backing to prove why. Pineapples are a good source of fiber supplying the body with bromelain which is an enzyme. Pineapples are rich in manganese and vitamin C. Manganese helps the body utilize a number of vitamins and boosts liver function. I’m sure you’re eager to know why pineapples give me vacation vibes. Well according to research pineapples are aphrodisiacs. Historically, pineapples were used as a cure for impotence. Talk about natures sensual touch. This is what really happens when you take pineapples: pineapples are packed full with vitamin c and vitamin C plays a major role in the production of happy hormones. Manganese is also significant to men’s health and boosts libido.

WATERMELON

Watermelons are 92% water this is why they are perfect for skin health. You know how everyone says drink water and mind your business well I eat my water in watermelons and mind my business in business. Watermelons help you stay hydrated. The high water content of the fruit contributes to its ability to make you feel full quickly. Coupled with its high nutrient count and being rich in fiber. Fruits are basically natures perfect therapy and you end up eating a lot of food with little calories and isn’t that what everyone wants; to be able to eat well without packing on calories. Watermelons contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium and Vitamins B1, B5 and B3.

Fruits are valued because most of them possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows them to provide a lot of health benefits to individuals from reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, protecting against cancer, maintaining a healthy diet with proper caloric intake.

Fruits are also great for people who want to engage in healthy snacking.

Tell me in the comment section, what are your favorite fruits and how often do you take them?

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Disclaimer: This blog post should not substitute for advice or consent of your dietitian/healthcare provider.

Cheers!