When it comes to fruit, it can be hard to branch out from your typical apples, oranges, bananas and grapes. But there’s a whole world of healthy, delicious fruit you probably haven’t experienced yet. It may take some effort to find them, but these fruits’ unique tastes and health benefits make it worth it.
Acai. These small berries are one of the latest health food crazes. Acai venders claim they have many miraculous health and beauty effects and sell them in smoothies or as a dietary supplement. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. Acai is very rich in antioxidants though, so adding some to your smoothie every once in a while isn’t a bad idea.
Guava. These small, round fruit come in a variety of colors and tastes. With few calories, tons of fiber, and four times the vitamin C of an orange, they’re a great way to get nutrients without putting on the pounds.
Starfruit. This uniquely shaped fruit is good raw or cooked. It has little sugar and lots of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. However, it has been found to have negative health effects on people with kidney problems.
Pomegranate. Pomegranates are most popular for their antioxidants, although more research is needed in this area to determine exactly how beneficial they are to your health. The small, juicy seeds inside are the only edible part of the pomegranate. Scoop them out with a spoon or squeeze them for some pomegranate juice.
Papaya. Soft and sweet, this fruit has many different nutrients that support your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems, but it’s particularly loaded with vitamin C.
Dragonfruit. With dramatically spiking leaves, vibrant red and green skin, and a soft, seed-filled, white or pink interior, the dragonfruit is one of the oddest looking fruits out there. The taste, however, is quite mild. Dragonfruit have tons of nutrients (especially vitamin C), fiber, and many important fatty acids that our body can’t make. Research is being conducted to see if it reduces the risk of cancer. It’s also very, very low on calories, so overall it’s an excellent choice.
Of course, all fruits contain many nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates. Not eating enough of them can lead to digestive, immune, and heart problems. If you experience any of these, come by Neighbors Emergency Center. We offer 24 hour emergency care in Houston and Austin. That means you can get medical treatment from board certified physicians whenever an emergency occurs.