CITRUS, MELONS, BERRIES; there’s so many tasty fruits to choose from this time of the year to satisfy your natural, sweet tooth cravings. But which ones should you reach for first when it comes to your health?
While no fruit is considered bad, some are definitely better than others in regards to their nutritional value. Nutritionists Jim White, R.D., and Manuel Villacorta, R.D., offer their top picks from the produce aisle to make your fruit selection simple.
Here’s their great, good and fair picks.
GREAT: Berries
“Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and antiaging antioxidants,” White says.
And according to Villacorta, “blueberries and blackberries have nutrients that may enhance brain functioning and improve your memory.”
GOOD: Citrus and Melons
“Citrus fruits improve immunity and can decrease the severity of cold and flu symptoms,” White says. Whole fruit is better than juice, which doesn’t have any fiber.
“Cantaloupe has a lot of the vitamins and nutrients essential for good heart health and helping to fight off cancer,” adds Villacorta.
FAIR: Bananas and Apples
“Bananas are a good preworkout food, with a lot of potassium, although they can cause a spike in blood-sugar levels,” White says.
“Keep apples around as an emergency snack,” suggests Villacorta. “They don’t have tons of nutrients, but they’re low-cal and packed with fiber, so they’ll fill you up quickly.
