Turns out an apple a day (and an orange, kiwi, and banana) can keep the doctor away. Your healthy bowl of the healthiest fruits should look like this.
Keep the Doctor Away
Blueberries, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries, and papayas — take your pick and take a bite, because these fruits are superfoods for your health.
See: 7 Ways To Eat Healthy On A Tight Budget
Originally published in Ladies’ Home Journal, May 2009.
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Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help fight cancer and prevent macular degeneration. Like cranberries, they contain compounds that can protect against urinary tract infections.
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Oranges
A single orange gives you almost a full day's vitamin C, plus potassium. The opaque membrane around each wedge has hesperidin, which may lower cholesterol. Even the scent is calming, according to research.
Incorporate orange into your makeup.
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Apples
Eat the skin for a high dose of fiber — both soluble (the type that helps lower cholesterol) and insoluble (it keeps you regular). In addition to meeting 15 percent of your daily fiber needs, an apple is crammed with antioxidants.
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Bananas
High in potassium and low in sodium, bananas help lower your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Bonus: Protease inhibitors that can prevent stomach ulcers.
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Kiwis
Ounce for ounce, kiwis contain more than twice as much vitamin C as oranges, plus they may lower the risk of cataracts and could even protect DNA from damage.
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Red & Purple Grapes
Red wine isn't the only source of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that could help fight heart disease. You get nearly as much resveratrol in a cup of dark-colored grapes as you do in a five-ounce glass of merlot.
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Strawberries
A daily handful helps control type 2 diabetes and stave off heart disease and inflammation. Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
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Papayas
These contain papain, a substance that helps improve your digestion. Papayas also provide a lot of vitamin C and are a good source of folate.
