Healthy Village

Becoming healthy and losing weight permanently mean eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Often the most nutritious foods are the ones in season. Freshness means maximizing vitamins and minerals since the time from field to table is shorter.

So what are some of the most nutritious fruits available now? Here are my top 5:

1. Apples

The vast variety of apples is astounding. A medium apple is packed with 3 grams of fiber and has only 80 calories.

This portable fruit is an ideal crunchy snack to satisfy any sweet tooth. The high fiber content will keep you satisfied, and apples have unique cancer-fighting flavenoids.

2. Grapefruit

I start every morning with half a grapefruit. A study at the University of California San Diego found that participants who ate half a grapefruit before their meals 2 to 3 times per day lost an average of 1 to 2 pounds more per week without doing anything else.

Lose weight for life by eating grapefruit every day. Don’t skip grapefruit just because it’s too tart. Sprinkle on a little Stevia to take away the bite.

Even without the weight loss benefits, grapefruit is one of the most nutritious foods out there. It has vitamin C, vitamin A, and other healthy anti-oxidants .  Grapefruit’s high water and fiber content make it practically calorie neutral.

3. Apricots

Apricots have a unique combination of minerals that have been linked to the prevention and treatment of diseases like anemia, asthma, and bronchitis.

As you might suspect from their orangey color, apricots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. These anti-oxidants combined with the lycopene apricots contain help  prevent heart disease.

Dried apricots contain even higher concentrations of minerals. A few dried apricots can be a high energy snack to chase away those mid-afternoon doldrums. Just don't eat too many since they are high in calories. 

4. Oranges

Everyone knows oranges are loaded with vitamin C, but did you know it's the combination of flavenoids and fiber that make oranges a healthy diet food.

Other health benefits of oranges include reduction of inflammation in diseases like arthritis, and mitigation of cardiovascular disease.

5. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are one of the few plant sources of iron. Pomegranates and pomegranate juice have more healthy anti-oxidants than blueberries, green tea, and cranberry juice.

Why not try something a little unique - add some pomegranate seeds to salads for a tangy, colorful accent.

Enjoy the most nutritious fruits of the harvest season and reap the benefits of becoming healthy.