You’ve heard of Superfoods, but…Superfruits? Not every fruit qualifies. Those deemed “super” by nutrition scientists are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that can help you live longer, look better and even prevent disease.
Best of all, most are widely available, even at your local grocery store, promises Keri Glassman, R.D., founder of NutritiousLifeMeals.com and author of “Slim Calm Sexy Diet”. One caveat: Superfruits are best consumed whole, not processed. So if possible, try to buy and eat these fruits fresh. Experts estimate that you should be eating five to nine portions of fruit or vegetables a day, and most of them should be Superfruits.
Açaí Berries
Açaí actually deserves some of the hype it gets, thanks to weapons grade antioxidant levels that clobber other Superfruit rivals like blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. However, because this tiny berry hails from Brazil, it’s not easy to find fresh. “I recommend powdered açaí berry, which can be added into a smoothie,” says Glassman. “Not only is this an easy way to get super fruits into your diet, but it also helps mask the tart, sometimes bitter taste.”
Apples
Surprise! America’s favorite fruit is a secret Superfruit, thanks in part to its red or green color. Apples are a great fiber source, but the skin contains quercetin, an antioxidant that packs antihistamine and anti-inflammatory power, and therefore may help protect you from heart disease and possibly allergic reactions. A study from St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London found that people who eat five or more apples a week have better lung function than those who don’t. So slip an apple into your lunch bag today.
Avocados
Yup, these are a Superfruit (remember, fruits have seeds, vegetables don’t). Packed with monounsaturated fat and fatty acids, avocados can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while raising the amount of good cholesterol in your body. The healthy fats in avocados also promote the absorption of other carotenoids — especially beta-carotene and lycopene — which are essential for heart health.
Bananas
Ever grab a snack but then feel hungry again 20 minutes later? Next time, reach for a banana. This Superfruit is loaded with potassium, which can lower your blood pressure, and is one of the best sources of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that fills you up and helps to boost your metabolism.
Blackberries
These tart and tasty gems rank in the top 10 for antioxidant power, according to the USDA, and they are specifically rich in polyphenols, the same family of antioxidants found in green tea, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancers, and osteoporosis. Blackberries are also number one for fiber: One cup delivers one-third of your daily target of 25 to 35 grams a day.
Blueberries
Your go-to Superfruit for brain function and memory. Several studies link high flavonoid levels in blueberries with a better memory, and regular consumption may help keep your brain functioning well as you age, new research suggests. One study found that women with the highest intake of berries appeared to have a delay in cognitive aging by a whopping 2.5 years. Blueberries are also rich in manganese, which plays an important role in your metabolism, which can help keep you slim and energized.
Cantaloupe
Consider cantaloupe your secret weapon for smooth, younger-looking skin. It gets its Superfruit status thanks to Vitamin A and its derivatives, which boosts cell reproduction, making it a natural exfoliator, according to Glassman.
Cherries
Cherries are one of Glassman’s unsung heroes of the Superfruit world. They owe their deep red color to an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which can reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In a recent study, University of Michigan researchers found that giving cherries to lab rats reduced two common markers of blood vessel inflammation by up to 50 percent. The cherry eaters also gained less weight and experienced big drops in cholesterol.
Citrus Fruits
All citrus, from limes to tangerines, are chock-full of vitamin C, fiber and small amounts of other nutrients and disease-fighting chemicals. It’s the C that makes citrus a Superfruit, says Glassman, because this vitamin counters the effects of sun damage, regulates oils glands and can even prevent age spots.
Cranberries
These tart little berries are Superfruits, but especially for women. They may prevent urinary-tract infections, and might help fight a far scarier disease: ovarian cancer. According to a new Rutgers University study, cranberries can boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs used to fight ovarian cancer (at least in laboratory culture dishes) and may slow the growth of some cancer cells. Another study found that people who drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice each day raise their HDL, or good cholesterol, by 10