The health benefits of popular foods - Fruits

Apples are sometimes called "nutritional powerhouses" because of their impressive nutritional profile. Apples are rich in Vitamin C (a powerful natural antioxidant), B-complex vitamins, dietary fiber, phytonutrients (which help protect the body from the detrimental effects of free radicals), and minerals such as calcium and potassium. Studies have revealed that eating apples can potentially help prevent dementia, reduce your risk of stroke, and reduce your risk of diabetes

Bananas are naturally free of fat, cholesterol and sodium and is very rich in potassium. The potential health benefits of bananas include: lowering blood pressure,reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia, and supporting heart health.

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, fiber and vitamin E. Studies have found that cranberries can potentially be effective at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)29, slowing tumor progression30, preventing urinary tract infections31, and can benefit oral health by preventing bacteria from binding to teeth.

Watermelon contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. The possible health benefits of watermelon include asthma prevention, reduction of high blood pressure, regulation of digestion, inflammation reduction, promoting healthy hair and skin

Grapefruits are low in calories but full of nutrients. They support clear, healthy skin, help to lower our risk for many diseases and conditions and may even help with weight loss as part of an overall healthy and varied diet. The potential health benefits of grapefruit include boosting weight loss, maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart health and combating free radicals

The portability, texture, flavor and variety of grapes have made them a popular finger food in countries all over the world. Studies have associated grapes with the prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and constipation as well as decreasing the risk of obesity and overall mortality.

Kiwis are a nutrient dense food, meaning they are high in nutrients and low in calories. The kiwifruit is higher in vitamin C per ounce than most other fruits. The potential health benefits of eating kiwis include: maintaining healthy skin tone and texture, reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease and stroke.

The mango is a member of the drupe family, a type of plant food in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell (what we sometimes call a pit) with a seed inside. Olives, dates and coconuts are also types of drupes. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like mangoes decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

An orange has over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects. Oranges also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper. Because of their high vitamin C content (over twice the daily need) oranges are associated with boosting the immune system.

Peaches are a characteristically fuzzy fruit native to northwest China. They are a member of the stone fruit family, meaning that they have one large middle seed, along with cherries, apricots, plums and nectarines. One medium peach contains 2% or more daily value of vitamins E and K, niacin, folate, iron, choline, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper. They have been shown to ward off obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease

Pineapple is a source of important vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese and potassium and antioxidants and polyphenols, such as beta-carotene. Fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which has been used in studies to determine its effectiveness in alleviating joint pain, arthritis, reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor growth and shorten recovery time following plastic surgery.

Strawberries are one of the most popular, refreshing and healthy treats on the planet and contain many vitamins and antioxidants that can be beneficial for your health. The potential health benefits of strawberries include: reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, blood pressure, constipation, allergies, diabetes and depression.