6 Fruits with Benefits

Have you ever heard the term friends with benefits?  Yes I am sure and wanted to play on the term, hence fruits with benefits.  Did you know there are certain fruits that are bountiful in the winter. Below are six fruits and their massive benefits:

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. And they contain powerful cancer-fighting compounds that protect us from stomach, pancreatic, bladder and cervical cancer. Grapefruit are also a natural source of naturally-occurring salicylic acid, aka aspirin. Perfect for when you have a cold or flu and need a little bit of pain relief. Well, imagine that folks.

Apples are also readily available in the winter. The last apple harvest of the year is usually in early to mid fall and store well into the winter months. These red babies are packed with healthy fiber which supports a healthy blood sugar, a healthy heart and weight loss (the magic word). Additionally, they are good sources of vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A and C, iron and potassium.

Pears are hardy fall fruit as well and they also have a low glycemic index to help control your blood sugar. One study find that pears may help reduce the risk of stroke and another suggests that pears and apples help reduce lung cancer risk in women.

Kiwi season is deliciously long and there are so many reasons to eat this tangy, fuzzy fruit. Eating kiwi aids in digestion, balances, our electrolytes, boost our immune system and may help prevent cancer. Two to three kiwi a day may also help prevent blood clots without the side effects you get from daily aspirin. Kiwi is also rich in antioxidants that support immune health. Lastly, try leaving the skin on when you eat it because this adds fiber to your diet.

Lemons don’t get enough credit for their amazing health benefits. Of course, like all citrus fruit, they’re packed with vitamin C, but they also contain compounds that protect us from cancer, eye disorders and kidney stones. When you’re juicing a lemon, make sure you reserve some of the lemon’s zest—the bright yellow part of the peel. Lemon zest is lovely in soups, sauces and baked goods. And lemon zest actually contains compounds that supports brain health.

Mandarin Orange and other tangerines. Step away from the canned mandarin oranges in syrup and reach for the fresh mandarins in the produce section! Mandarin oranges and other tangerines are winter fruits packed with health benefits.  Studies have found that mandarin oranges may help prevent liver and breast cancer. And there are compounds in the peels that protect us from leukemia, so sprinkle some tangerine zest into your next bowl of oatmeal or smoothie! One study also found that a compound found in tangerines supports heart health, especially if you’re diabetic, by reducing the hardening of your arteries.

Now that you have all of this great info to help you love yourself enough, have a relationship with benefits you can count on – with fruit!!!!!