Jujube fruit is an ancient fruit originating in China, also known as Chinese date, Indian plum and Indian cherry. Conditions jujube fruit is used for medicinally include indigestion, fever, cuts and constipation. Jujube fruit i...
A fresh mango is brimming with vitamin C, potassium, fiber and vitamin A, but the fruit is not always in season or available. Steamed mangoes can be just as nutritious as fresh ones, and you can make and store them when fresh m...
The North American caja is similar in taste and appearance to a miniature mango, reaching 2-inches in length when ripe. The fruit is widely used in commercially produced healthy juice drinks and smoothies because it is naturall...
A mango is a round or ovoid tropical fruit. Mangos have inedible skin that appears in shades of green, yellow and red, and the orange-yellow flesh becomes sweet and juicy when ripe. Mango skin colors vary according to variety, ...
The kokam juice and rind are both used in cooking in India, but the fruit can also be used for medicinal purposes. Kokam fruit is a source of garcinol, a substance that the health industry has recently recognized as having sign...
Within the genus Garcinia, about 200 species of tropical fruit exist that are indigenous to India and Southeast Asia. Among these, G. mangostana, or mangosteen, is renowned for its scrumptious flavor and purported medicinal val...
Triphala is a herbal supplement derived from the fruit of three trees native to India and the Middle East. The fruits are dried, ground into a powder and blended in accordance with an Indian millennial healing tradition known a...
Fruit compotes -- cooked fruit dishes made from fresh or dried fruits -- are classic holiday preparations. Cranberry sauce, for example, is a compote. However, compotes are good for much more than a holiday dinner with the fami...
Commonly known as puncture-vine and classified as a weed, it blooms with yellow, five-petal flowers and bears a spikey fruit, which is often used to produce extracts and nutritional supplements. The alleged benefits of Tribulus...
The sticky pulp of the tamarind fruit has a sweet-sour quality that has made it a popular food. Indigenous to Africa, its use has spread throughout all tropical regions of the world, including India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ...
Food co-ops and farmers' markets carry locally grown fresh produce. Buying directly from nearby sources and growers means you're getting food that generally has a short route from grower to consumer, which reduces costs and pro...
Eating a diet of varied fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein sources, should allow you to get most or all of the vitamins that you need through your diet. If you are eating a w...
The new guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture state that one-half of your plate should be covered with fruit and vegetable sources. The Choose My Plate concept, which replaces the USDA Food Pyramid, is ea...
Some of the most nutritious foods you can eat are fruits, such as tree fruits and berries, and tree nuts, such as almonds, macadamia nuts and walnuts. Along with other healthy foods, aim to get 2 cups of fruit per day, and 5 ou...
Eating raspberries can provide you many health benefits.These benefits include preventing heart disease and fighting age-related changes. The mechanism underlying such benefits remains unknown, but chemicals, such as anthocyani...
It also is called roselle. It may be difficult to find, but it offers several benefits when added to a well-balanced diet. Sorrel fruit is best eaten right away, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The diet includes chicken, such as the breast, liver and thighs, as well as all kinds of fruit, such as berries, melons, peaches and avocados. The diet might have some benefits, but it is not nutritionally adequate, and a nutri...
From the Mediterranean diet to the raw foods diet, many food plans recommend eating fresh fruit at every meal and for snacks. The benefits of eating fruit are numerous. Eating fruit before a meal can help you eat a balanced, nu...
While fresh is best as long as it undergoes little handling and storage before consumption -- frozen fruit is a close second. If not eaten right away, fruit begins to undergo chemical and physical changes that result in discolo...
Cactus fruit, also called cactus pads or nopales, is the edible part of the cactus plant, and you can have it in salads, soups or other dishes. It has similar nutritional benefits as other vegetables, and you may want to add ca...
Cherimoya, known scientifically as Annona cherimola, is an evergreen shrub or tree that grows naturally in South America's Andean highlands. Herbalists in the areas of its natural cultivation value cherimoya for its medicinal p...
Jujube fruits start off green, but turn deep red to dark purple when mature. Asian cultures have long valued jujube fruits for their various health and nutritional benefits. You can eat jujubes fresh or dry them to use in teas,...
Vegetables and fruits are eaten whole, juiced or blended into a smoothie that is immediately consumed. The use of frozen fruit is acceptable for those on this diet, but frozen vegetables are excluded, as they are usually blanch...
When you are trying to lose weight or change your diet patterns, it may seem as though the easiest approach is to only eat certain food groups. Fruits and vegetables are filled with essential nutrients, and they are available n...
Fresh, frozen and dried blueberries receive top scores when it comes to antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer. Those berries beat all the vegetables and most other fruits on a Tufts University antioxidant f...
According to Fruits and Veggies More Matters, frozen fruit may be more nutritionally dense than fresh fruits because they are frozen at the peak of ripeness, which helps you get more of the nutritional benefits they offer. Look...
The meat, juice, milk and oil of a coconut are edible, making it a food that can be used in many different ways. Coconut meat is very high in saturated fat, making it a food that should only be eaten occasionally. Despite this,...
People have used its milk, oil, meat and shell throughout history for food, medicinal and functional uses. The popularity of coconut oil in recent years has sparked an upsurge in the coconut trade. The coconut meat is also heal...
Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables may lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, vision problems and digestive problems. The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are even higher if ...
Eating only raw fruits and vegetables is commonly referred to as a "raw foods", "living foods" or "raw vegan" diet. Any nutritious diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, but whether eating only raw produce is bene...
Cantaloupe grows naturally in the continents of Africa and Asia. According to a study published in the 2008 issue of "World Applied Sciences Journal," records show that the cultivation of cantaloupes started in 2400 B.C. Many p...
While not as nutritious as vine-ripened red tomatoes, green tomatoes do have many nutritional benefits. Adding sauteed green tomatoes to a green salad or as a side to grilled meat may help you consume more essential vitam
It generally reaches the size of a golf ball when at its ripe stage. You generally will not find this exotic fruit in your local grocery store; look to specialty retailers to find it or herbal treatments made with its extracts....
Although the red and green of rhubarb provide vibrant colors in dishes, the roots and big green leaves are inedible -- they contain a poisonous compound called oxalic acid. The stalks, however, contain a variety of nutrients th...
Choosing healthy foods can help you feel your best and provide nutrients crucial for the development of the fetus. Dates and fruit are good food choices for anyone, but incorporating these foods into your diet during pregnancy ...
Fresh fruits are naturally sweet and pack huge nutritional benefits as well. Fruits act as cleansers for your body, give you energy and supply a vast array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote good health. Adding...
Prunus serotina, a fruit species better known as wild cherry, grows on prunus avium trees. In the sphere of alternative medicine, wild cherry is known for its medicinal qualities. Wild cherry may prove beneficial in the treatme...
Cantaloupes, which are related to squash and pumpkins, grow on vines on the ground and are at their ripest peak between June and August. Cantaloupes are more than a tasty way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Once you realize their hea...
Cranberry sauce is available canned, but making your own from fresh berries allows for more control over what ingredients you use to prepare it, which could make it a healthier choice. However you eat it, cranberry sauce offers...
Pears are in season during the fall but are available year-round at many supermarkets. Adding them to a well-balanced diet increases nutrient intake and protects you from several health problems. The fruits are inexpensive and ...
Fruits are packed with vitamins and nutrients and can provide numerous health benefits. Apricots are native to China, but the United States grows 90 percent of the world's apricots, according to Ann Henderson and Charlotte Bren...
Phoenix dactylifera L., or the date palm, provides a fruit that is as beneficial for your health as it is delicious for your palate.
Packed with antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins, tomatoes are one food that should be on every health-conscious person's eating plan. From reducing prostate cancer risk to helping you shed excess pounds, tomatoes have a nu...
Parents often have to beg, plead and even bribe their children to eat their fruits and vegetables. Health-conscious parents recognize the important benefits fruits and vegetables provide to their children. From reducing obesity...
Rhubarb stalks resemble celery with a distinctly tart taste. Add rhubarb to your diet to benefit from its multiple nutrients and antioxidants.
Peaches, with their soft skin and sweet flesh, are a summertime staple. One of the largest fruit crops grown in the United States, peaches provide a great deal of nutrients with few calories and no fat. Peaches are a healthy wa...
Although most people would identify these peppers as vegetables, they technically should be categorized as fruits. Including members of the Capsicum family in your diet, whether raw or cooked, can provide several different heal...
Choose a firm nectarine for a nutritious snack, or serve them sliced with a drizzle of honey for a nutrient-packed dessert. However you add nectarines to your diet, you will be doing something to benefit the quality of your hea...
Rumor has it that the nectarine was created through a love connection between the peach and the plum. And while the nectarine is genetically related to the peach, it is actually a separate plant that may have preceded the peach...
You may also see it sold in your local grocery store as an Asian pear, Japanese pear or sand pear. Whether ripe or unripe, these pears stay firm, so smell this fruit before buying -- the most fragrant pears indicate ripeness. N...
European pears, the most popular of which is the Bartlett, are soft and sweet and often used for baking. Asian pears are round and crisp and milder in flavor. The pear is valued for its flavor as well as its myriad of nutrition...
Cantaloupe ranks among the most nutritious foods you can eat. It provides more than 19 vitamins and minerals with minimal calories per serving. Including more fruit, including cantaloupe, in your diet helps reduce your risk of ...
Melons are low in calories, with just 64 calories in a 1-cup serving of honeydew balls and fewer calories in cantaloupe, casaba or watermelon balls. At the same time, melons are high in essential vitamins and minerals. They con...
Figs originated in Arabia and grow best in areas with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually an inverted flower, and the seeds are the fruit, according to the California Fig Adv...
The stem of the rhubarb plant is usually cooked and used in desserts, such as pie, but it can be eaten raw as well. Rhubarb is also available in frozen form, but choose one that does not contain added sugar because it will have...
Acai palm trees grow in the rain forests of South America. Acai berries can be eaten fresh or in juice form and are sometimes found in weight loss supplement products. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements containin...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Blackberries are a nutritious and delicious way to get in some of those servings. You can enjoy them all year lon...
The exact number of servings you need varies based on your age, sex and activity level, with some people needing as many as nine servings per day. Although it may take some effort to meet these recommendations, doing so will gi...
Less than 15 percent of all adults in the United States meet their daily fruit and vegetable requirement of five fruit and vegetable servings per day, reports Johns Hopkins University. Meeting or exceeding your fruit and vegeta...
Bananas are one of the most common fruits you can find. They are inexpensive and available all year. Bananas supply many different vitamins and minerals and you can easily incorporate them into your diet. Slice a banana over yo...
When you're on the go, however, it can be difficult to eat it every day. Dried cranberries provide a convenient, portable option that allows you to easily incorporate fruit into your diet. There are many health benefits of eati...
Goji berries are small, orange berries that have enormous health benefits. Geoff Stebbings notes in his book, "Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg for Dummies," that the goji berry has a taste that is a cross between raisins and tea...
The bioactive compounds that foods contain either promote or destroy a patient's health. According to a study published by the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in September 2003, the regular consumption of high fiber fo...
Kiwis are small fruits, typically with a fuzzy brown skin and green flesh with black seeds. Although the skin is edible, many people just eat the sweet and tart fruit inside. These fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, and ...
Lemon's popularity may be related to the multitude of its uses. Medicinally, the juice, when consumed with salt or ginger, treats colds. The fruit also has a rich history. The lemon was the fruit carried on British ships for pr...
Noni is often referred to as Indian mulberry, which is a tree that is about 10 to 20 feet tall. It bears fruits that are approximately 6 inches in length and look similar to breadfruit. Noni is safe for consumption and may even...
Blackberries resemble raspberries, but are much darker in color. Their taste is sweet, and the more vivid their color, the sweeter they are. These small berries contain a phytochemical called ellagic acid that is believed to be...
Kiwi is a small green or yellow fruit with fuzzy brown skin and small black seeds. The seeds and skin are edible, although most people peel kiwi fruits to avoid the rough texture of the skin. If you choose to eat the skin, the ...
In addition, it is a rich source of the amino acids citrulline and arginine, both of which have positive effects on the body. Research suggests that watermelon can provide an abundance of benefits, especially for men.
Goji, also known as wolfberry, is a species of deciduous woody shrub native to China that produces a bright red berry about 1/2 inch long. Goji berries are most often sold commercially as in dried form. Modern research has prod...
They have been cultivated since approximately 6000 B.C. They grow on the tree for six or seven months before they are ripe enough to eat. There are three main types of dates, which are classified based on the moisture of the fl...
According to the World Carrot Museum, in 1831, Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder first isolated the orange pigment, now known as carotene, from carrots. In the years that followed, scientists have discovered the many healt...
The tangerine is a type of mandarin orange that is usually sold from November through April. Tangerines are slightly smaller than oranges and are characterized by their bright orange color and defined segments. While oranges so...
With a long history of use in folk medicine, elderberry has been researched in the past twenty years for its medicinal benefits, especially for its antiviral, immune booster qualities, as well as for possible effects on loosing...
You have probably often been told to eat your fruit and vegetables because they are good for you. Sure, they are low in calories and rich in nutrients, which are worthy qualities that are very beneficial to your health. Blueber...
Research shows that pomegranate may help improve your skin's appearance, keep your heart healthy and even prevent the spread of certain forms of cancer. Add more red juicy fruit to your diet and benefit of its medicinal qualiti...
Evidence suggests that oranges provide a host of benefits, from boosting bone health to protecting against cardiovascular disease.
Flavor- and nutrition-packed raspberries and blackberries offer fiber, vitamins and antioxidants but few calories and no fat. You can enjoy these versatile fruits fresh, frozen or cooked. One cup of raspberries supplies only 50...
Honeydew is a member of the melon family of fruits and usually has pale green sweet and juicy flesh inside a hard rind. Honeydew melons are a nutritious addition to your diet because they contain several vitamins and minerals. ...
Oranges are high in vitamin C and low in calories, and they may provide benefits as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Many factors affect your health, and you should talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about ...
Your symptoms may be triggered by allergens, such as peanuts, shellfish, smoke, pet dander, insects, dust mites, pollen, cold air or sulfites used as food preservatives. Asthma is manageable, and fruits and vegetables may help.
Fruits offers numerous health benefits if you have cancer. You can eat a wide variety of healthy fruits. Fruits are easy to transport when going to and from treatment, work or daily activities. They are typically quite inexpens...
Fruits and vegetables are nutritious, delicious foods that are easy to prepare and offer a host of health benefits. In general, both are high in fiber and water in addition to many essential nutrients, including vitamins, miner...
Eating more fruit is one of the best things you can do for your health. Fresh fruits are generally more nutritious than those that have been juiced, canned or cooked. Fresh fruits are most easily obtained when they are in seaso...
Dates are harvested from palm trees in both California and the Middle East. The fruits are very sweet, have the same texture of figs and contain one big pit in the middle. Dates are sold chopped and coated in sugar, stuffed wit...
A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended by experts ranging from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the nutrition experts at Mayoclinic.com. Raw foodists take it one step farther, insisting that ...
The unusual nutritional make-up of the coconut results in a range of unusual benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to positive effects on the fat-burning process.
Besides being a source of vitamin C and A, cayenne fruit contains the compound capsaicin, which is responsible for most of its health effects as well as its fiery heat. Used in food and medicine, cayenne pepper provides a wealt...
Bananas come in several varieties and sizes and can be eaten at any time of the day. This versatile fruit can be cooked, eaten raw or even dried as a snack. Bananas are incredibly compact and packed with nutrients, vitamins and...
Fruits and vegetables are crucial to maintaining health, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who eat a diet low in fresh produce are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, cert...
According to the Nibble.com, over 300 million cherries are grown in the United States each year, 75 percent of which come from Michigan. Cherries have long been praised for their vitamin and mineral content and have recently be...
Whole fresh fruits retain their nutrients better than cooked or processed fruits, and juicing removes valuable fiber content. Supplements are not as effective as whole fresh fruits at providing health-boosting benefits because ...
The small, richly red-colored fruit is a popular raw food option that combines appealing flavor and texture with significant health benefits for consumers. Low in calories and a source of vitamin C, cherries also contain a vari...
The wood apple tree is among the most common and most religious trees in India. According to the American Chronicle website, all components of the wood apple tree can promote significant health benefits. The roots, fruit and le...
Japanese ume plum has been used in Japanese and Chinese medicine. Although the current understanding of the active components is limited, it is suspected that Japanese ume plum contains antioxidants that protect cells from dama...
Surinam cherry is often called Brazilian cherry, Cheyenne cherry, or Pitanga. It belongs to the uniflora species, part of the myrtaceae family. This is the same family that myrtle comes from. The Surinam cherry is a popular orn...
Frequently used as an ingredient in making jams and jellies, pectin has recently become popular for its myriad health benefits. Pectin can be eaten, or taken as a supplement after it has been commercially extracted from a fruit...
In addition, only 26 percent of American adults eat vegetables three or more times a day. There is little doubt that most Americans should be consuming more fruits and vegetables in their diet. While most would benefit from sim...
Choosing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables ensures your diet includes the widest range of these vitamins and minerals. Dietary supplements are not substitutes for whole foods and cannot provide the same benefits as eating...
Eating all different colors of fruits and vegetables helps you to obtain various nutrients. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans tell people to eat more of this food group than any other because of the health benefits ...
According to World Dental, a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables offer the vitamins and minerals and other nutrients you need for healthy teeth and gums. However, you should try to avoid dried fruits because they can sti...
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, contain no cholesterol and are low in fat and sodium. With nutrient credentials such as these, it's no surprise that cherries provide several health benefits.
It also goes by the names Indian gooseberry and Amalaki. While the fruit has a long tradition of use, few human studies have been done to confirm its benefits. However, some laboratory and animal studies do look promising, as d...
The actual average consumption is much lower, at just three servings per day. If fruits and vegetables are not a regular part of your diet, consider the numerous health benefits they can potentially offer.
The Food Pyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture prescribes the quantity of fruit and vegetables you need to eat daily depending on your age, weight, height and how much you exercise. Consuming a diet rich in f...
Pomegranates are known as the ruby-red super food and for good reason. The pomegranate holds many health benefits and contains vital nutrients such as potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamin C. According to a study done by the...
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, defines a healthy eating plan as one that emphasizes fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables come in a wide range of colo...
Vegetables and fruits provide vital nutrients for the proper growth and maintenance of your body. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends eating several servings of each daily. The portion of those servings depends on you...
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential parts of a healthy, balanced diet. They are the only natural way to get all of the 180 vitamins and minerals and the nearly 12,000 phytochemicals your body uses to maintain healthy immu...
Cashews are a popular ingredient in many types of ethnic cuisine and a healthy snack for both children and adults. The cashew tree is native to northeastern Brazil, according to the George Mateljan Foundation World's Healthiest...
Bananas are low in calories, and they contain no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that bananas are consumed by a lot of people who are trained athletes, and this fruit is a...
The human body uses and needs 180 varieties of minerals and vitamins, and eating eight to 13 servings of fruit and vegetables each day can help you get all 180. You also get a vital blend of antioxidants and beneficial phytoche...
While tradition holds that eating five servings of fruit and veggies is enough, the Harvard School of Public Health recommends upping the requirement to nine servings per day. When choosing fruit and vegetables, make sure to se...
With over 12,000 varieties of phytochemicals contained in 180 essential vitamins, it is nearly impossible to get your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals from a supplement pill. The only solution is eating plenty of dif...
Tomatoes are available all year round and can be used in a huge variety of dishes, both cooked and raw. This versatility makes it easy to take advantage of the numerous health benefits offered by the humble tomato, a truly supe...
In fact, the United States is the world leader in the production of this popular fruit, with the bulk of the crops coming from Florida, California, Texas and Arizona, according to Purdue University. Oranges have a variety of he...
Blackberries are deep-colored, purple-black berries in the rose family. Although blackberries grow wild in most temperate areas of North America, they are cultivated primarily in Washington, Oregon, and southern British Columbi...
Plantains contain less sugar than other bananas. People typically cook plantains like they would a potato or vegetable rather than eating them raw. Plantains contain a variety of nutrients that provide health benefits.
Jujubes are the small, sweet, date-like fruits of the Ziziphus jujuba or Ziziphus mauritania trees. Both do well in warmer climates, although Ziziphus jujuba also grows in northern China. The fruits are round to oblong and red,...
Fresh strawberries may sit around for a number of days before they are transported to your local supermarket to be purchased. When a fruit is picked, it begins to lose some of its nutrients immediately. Freezing strawberries im...
The fruit is round and berry-like as well as a bit woody, hence the descriptive moniker. The wood apple is hard and gray on the outside with a brownish pulp inside. In India, it is viewed as one of the most valuable medicinal p...
Fortunately, you don't need to hurry to the drug store to purchase expensive medicines; often you can prevent stomach problems and find relief with... fruit.
The mangosteen is a fruit grown in Thailand and a few parts of India. The tree bearing his fruit is tropical and is very sensitive to temperature and soil conditions. The fruit is purple and has a thick rind that is used for je...
In fact, the word raisin comes from the Old French word for grape. As with any dried fruit, the raisin loses some of its nutritional value in the drying process. Of limited value alone, raisins impart health benefits as part of...
The small, red round fruit has edible skin and a sweet flavor. It has been popular in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and has been gaining popularity in the West. This fruit, also known as the Chinese date, has potent h...
This tiny red fruit is beneficial for cancer prevention, reduces inflammation, enhances heart health and provides other health benefits.
The power of their nutritional value comes from their rich, dark colors. Blueberries and blackberries both have the highest levels of antioxidant power, and strawberries boast the most vitamin C per serving of any fruit---even ...
These phytochemicals, or plant compounds, along with the nutritional value of the vitamins and minerals, give that handful of blueberries a heap of health benefits.
The mangosteen is a fruit found in tropical countries throughout Asia. The fruit has three major parts: the mangosteen pericarp, or the deep reddish purple rind; the pulp, or tangy, edible flesh; and the seeds, found within the...
Tart cherries are packed with antioxidant nutrients and anti-inflammatory agents. This tiny red fruit is beneficial for cancer prevention, to lower cholesterol, for heart health, as an anti-inflammatory agent, and for other hea...
They say that good things come in small packages. That is especially true for the blueberry. This fruit has been touted as a superfood, an antioxidant powerhouse and a disease fighter, with good reason. In addition to being lo...
When fruits are dried, nutrients are naturally concentrated and the small packages make it easier to eat more. For instance, it's much easier to eat 30 raisins than it would be to eat 30 grapes. Which, in turn, makes it easier...
When grapes are dried, either using the heat of the sun or by oven drying, the natural fruit sugar, called fructose, is so concentrated that the end result--raisins--are over 70 per cent pure fructose, giving them the nickname...
It is far more beneficial to eat a tomato--you receive a great dose of cancer-fighting antioxidants through this fruit--than to take vitamin A pills. Look to whole foods, including fresh ripe tomatoes, as your primary source of...
Instead of apples, pears and bananas all week, branch out into colorful berries, exotic mangoes, papayas, juicy plums and peaches.
The color of fruit is often produced from compounds that have purported health benefits. Bluebe...
Although all fruits contain some vitamins, certain fruits stand out as particularly dense sources of key nutrients. For example, oranges, grapefruits, limes, lemons, tangerines, mangoes, blackberries and guavas boast optimal l...