Spring Break
Fruit For Thought
Which Fruits Can Help Keep You Healthy
Emily Abbate
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Focus
In terms of caloric content, the fruits vary. One large kiwi fruit has 55 calories, one cup of cranberries has 46 calories, one pint of blueberries has 225 calories and one cup of strawberries has 45 calories.
However, each fruit has its own unique benefits. Kiwi fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, contains several of the most important fat-soluble antioxidants, Vitamins A and E. The kiwi also has about an equal amount of Vitamin C as oranges, and even has the potential to significantly thin blood and reduce blood clots, according to the Web site.
Cranberries are recognized for stopping urinary tract infections and starving off the formation of kidney stones, while blueberries slow down the effects of aging with the immense amount of antioxidants.
Although they have more calories than the other fruits, "[Blueberries] also associated with protection against cancer, age-related health conditions and brain damage from strokes, and may also reduce the build-up of 'bad' cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease and stroke," according to associatedcontent.com.
Strawberries are high in folic acid, which is known to prevent birth defects.
The question remains, should you pick just one fruit and stick to it? Pumerantz says variety is best.
"Some people choose to just eat their apples and oranges, however there are unique wonderful components in berries as well," Pumerantz said. "Increase your chance of getting your vitamin and mineral needs by having a variety."
Contact Emily Abbate at
Emily.Abbate@UConn.edu.
However, each fruit has its own unique benefits. Kiwi fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, contains several of the most important fat-soluble antioxidants, Vitamins A and E. The kiwi also has about an equal amount of Vitamin C as oranges, and even has the potential to significantly thin blood and reduce blood clots, according to the Web site.
Cranberries are recognized for stopping urinary tract infections and starving off the formation of kidney stones, while blueberries slow down the effects of aging with the immense amount of antioxidants.
Although they have more calories than the other fruits, "[Blueberries] also associated with protection against cancer, age-related health conditions and brain damage from strokes, and may also reduce the build-up of 'bad' cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease and stroke," according to associatedcontent.com.
Strawberries are high in folic acid, which is known to prevent birth defects.
The question remains, should you pick just one fruit and stick to it? Pumerantz says variety is best.
"Some people choose to just eat their apples and oranges, however there are unique wonderful components in berries as well," Pumerantz said. "Increase your chance of getting your vitamin and mineral needs by having a variety."
Contact Emily Abbate at
Emily.Abbate@UConn.edu.
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