Gotta have those fruits

The importance of eating fruits on a daily basis is not lost on me and the rest of my family. Little Aiden seem to go through a withdrawal process if he has not had at least one type of fruit in a day, and Adrian can’t seem to function in school without his morning smoothies.

Little Aiden wanted some strawberry yesterday and I just could get them, so we picked up some grapes instead. The grapes seem to satisfy the immediate fruit craving but not his desire for the strawberries. He just kept asking for them… so I gave in today and bought those expensive   red, vitamin C filled goodness!

Fruits are a goldmine of vitamins, minerals and fiber and are ideal snack foods. Since they are in their natural form it is easy for the body to process and absorb the vitamins and minerals found in them.

These are just a few that we try to include on a weekly basis. Of course we love the adventure of trying unusual fruits too.

Apples have lots of fiber, vitamins A, C, E and folate.  Apples reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. They also help with heart disease, weight loss and controlling cholesterol.

Bananas are good source of fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C, B6, E and folate. Unripe or green bananas are used in cooking.

Cherries contain anthocyanins that reduce pain and inflammation.

Eaten either dried or fresh, figs contain vitamin A, C, folate and niacin.

Kiwi is a rich source of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, calcium, iron and folic acid. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants.

Limes or lemons are loaded with vitamins A, C and folate. The juice of lime is good for detoxification and has antioxidant properties.

Oranges contain vitamin C, flavonoids, and are rich in sodium when ripened in sunshine.

Plum are high in carbohydrates, low in fat and calories, and are an excellent source of vitamin A, C, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, fiber . They are cholesterol free.

Papayas are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It is high in digestive properties and has stimulating effect on the stomach which aide in digestion.

Pear contains potassium and riboflavin, fibers. It is excellent for skin

Strawberry is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and fiber. It has high content of sodium and iron. It helps in whitening of the teeth and is used to relieve rheumatism.

Watermelon contains minerals, vitamins and sugar with useful amount of fiber and iron.

There are many more fruits on our plate each week but here’s to getting you started… have fun with it!