10 Surprisingly Healthy Fruits

Contrary to popular belief, all fruits are not created equal. Some are better than others when it comes to nutrition, and there are even some that are healthy as well as delicious. This list of 10 fruits you may be surprised to learn that are healthy includes both sweet fruits like strawberries and apples, as well as sour fruits like lemon and grapefruit. It’s proof that healthy food can taste good too! Check out these ten fruits that are surprisingly healthy to see if your favorites made the list.

  1. Blackberries

  • Blackberries are a good source of fiber and manganese, and they contain high levels of antioxidants. They also deliver many healthy phytonutrients, including ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and flavonols that fight heart disease and cancer. These fruits may even help with type 2 diabetes. A study by US researchers found that animals fed diets supplemented with blackberry juice or extract had better blood sugar control than those who weren’t given any berry supplements. Although human trials haven’t been done yet, it’s still a good idea to incorporate more blackberries into your diet, as they taste great in smoothies and can be used to make delicious desserts like muffins or cobblers!


  1. Raspberries

  • This berry, which comes in red, black, and golden varieties, is an excellent source of dietary fiber as well as vitamins C and K. One cup of raspberries contains 160 calories, but only 5 grams of natural sugar. It’s also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Raspberries are also high in ellagic acid, a compound that may help prevent cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and spreading. Ellagic acid is responsible for raspberries’ tangy flavor, but it’s not overpowering when you eat them you might not even taste it at all! Another good thing about raspberries: They contain anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate symptoms of arthritis.


  1. Blueberries

  • a 1⁄2 cup has 3.2 g of fiber, which is more than a banana! They’re also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Studies have found that blueberries can boost memory, improve brain function, and even improve attention. They’re a healthy source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and even protein! They’re best when eaten fresh or frozen but you can also use them in smoothies or muffins. Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits to add to your diet. Bananas: while they may not be as sexy as others on this list (no pun intended), bananas are very good for you!


  1. Grapes

  • When most people think of grapes, they usually picture large bunches of delicious reds and purples on display at their local grocery store. While those grapes are delicious, they don’t have much in terms of nutritional value. Instead, opt for purple seedless grapes—the seeds aren’t very appetizing and a lot of people tend to just spit them out anyway. Half a cup of these will provide you with 22 calories, 4 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of fiber. There’s also around 80 milligrams of potassium in half a cup—the same amount as what you would find in half a banana! One grape serving also has 2 percent DV iron and one serving has 2 percent DV calcium as well!


  1. Cantaloupe

  • This melon is a good source of B-vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, and many other nutrients. It also contains heart-healthy potassium and can help lower cholesterol. The best part about cantaloupe is that it contains a hefty dose of antioxidants that prevent your body from forming harmful free radicals. You can enjoy cantaloupe in a variety of ways including eating it fresh, adding it to mixed green salads, or having it as a frozen dessert such as ice cream or sorbet.


  1. Watermelon

  • Not only is watermelon juicy and delicious, but it’s also one of the healthiest fruits around. Like a melon, it’s high in water content and low in calories, fat, and cholesterol (one cup contains just 32 calories). Watermelon also contains lycopene—an antioxidant that may have anti-inflammatory properties. One study found eating more lycopene-rich foods could decrease inflammation (which may help lower your risk for disease). And unlike other fruits that are on our list, watermelon has no fiber, which means you can enjoy it guilt-free! Two 1/2 cups of watermelon have less than 100 calories.


  1. Kiwifruit

  • The Japanese call it ki-ri-pu. The Chinese know it as yang tao. We just call it delicious, thanks to its sweet and juicy flesh. Despite its high sugar content, kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C and fiber. An excellent source of antioxidants called flavonoids, these fruits can help lower cholesterol and prevent cancer—but don’t eat too many; a serving has about 60 calories! Next time you have a craving for sweets, skip your typical bag of M&Ms and grab some kiwi instead. They might not be your first choice at dessert, but they sure are healthier!


  1. Cranberries

  • Cranberries are often used to treat urinary tract infections. With their low-calorie count and high levels of vitamins A, C, E, and K, they are great at boosting your immune system. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce joint pain and fight cancer. At just 46 calories per cup, cranberries are an excellent fruit to add to any weight loss diet.


  1. Strawberries

  • Strawberries are an excellent source of fiber, particularly pectin. A half-cup of strawberries can add up to eight percent of your daily fiber needs and only 49 calories. Strawberries contain a good amount of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium—all nutrients that are essential for normal metabolic function in your body. In addition to being high in fiber, they also contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins which help fight disease by boosting your immune system and slowing down disease-causing free radicals that damage cells in your body. The fruit contains ellagic acid as well — a natural phenol that is effective against various types of cancer such as breast cancer.


  1. Persimmons

  • One medium-sized persimmon has about 81 calories and offers nearly 4 grams of fiber, as well as vitamin C, copper, potassium, and manganese. It’s also rich in antioxidants called tannins, which have been shown to lower levels of bad cholesterol in your blood and increase levels of good cholesterol. Persimmons are one of just two fruits (the other is blueberries) that contain significant amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The fruit is a rich source of beneficial carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene), which are converted by your body into vitamin A. This can help boost immunity and protect against disease.