Breaking Down Superfruits: What’s Good for What?

It’s not a term endorsed or used by the US Food and Drug Administration, but it’s a word you see all over: superfruit. The definition of what exactly makes a fruit a superfruit is arbitrary, usually based on a food company’s promotion or marketing, but often the fruit truly does comes with an extra punch of vitamins and other natural goodies. So, which superfruits are actually good…and what are they providing you?

Blackcurrant

The blackcurrant packs a real punch. It’s rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals. It has high levels of Fiber, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, and Vitamins C (300% of the daily recommended dose), B2, E, K. Blackcurrants have also been shown to have an impact in preventing heart disease and diabetes and promoting visual health. Native to temperate parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia, find it in jams, juices, and more at your local grocery store.

Citrus Fruits

All citrus, from lemons to clementines, are full of vitamin C, fiber and other natural disease-fighting chemicals. Citrus fruits’ high doses of Vitamin C help counter the effects of sun damage, prevent age spots, and regulate oil glands. Squeeze a lemon or lime in your ice water, or pack an orange for lunch to soak up some citrusy goodness.

Avocado

Yes, an avocado is a fruit! Vegetables don’t have seeds and that’s exactly what the big pit in the middle of your avocado is. These green guys are packed with monounsaturated fat and fatty acids, which can help lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise yur good cholesterol levels. Easy to slice up or whip into guacamole, avocados are great for heart health.

Mango

This sweet guy is full of vitamin A and C, plus beta-carotene, which promotes healthy eyes and may help fight cancer and heart disease. They’re a pain in the butt to cut up, but well worth it for the flavor and health benefits.

Banana

Bananas have long been toted as energy-boosters, but they’re also great for stopping hunger. Loaded with potassium (a natural lowered of blood pressure!), bananas are a healthy carbohydrate that boost your metabolism and keeps you feeling full. They’re easy natural packaging make them perfect on-the-go snacks.

Apple

Turns out “an Apple a day, keeps the doctor away” isn’t just an old adage. Apples are high in fiber and also contain quercetin, an antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory powers. A study in London by St. George’s Hospital Medical School also found that people who eat five or more apples a week have better lung function!

Açaí

With a higher concentration of antioxidants than blueberries or strawberries, Açaí berries deserve a lot of the attention they’ve been given over the years. Predominantly found in the rainforests of Brazil, it’s recommended you buy a powdered version of the berry that can easily be added into a smoothie to best receive its health benefits.

Blackberry

Any time you see red, blue, or purple in the produce section, know that these fruits contain polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds in fruit’s skin that lower cancer risk and help reduce chronic inflammation. Blackberries are especially high in polyphenols and eating them raw and chewing the seeds really helps you soak up the nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids.

The benefits of these eight fruits, easy to purchase and consume throughout the day, have been around for hundreds of thousands of years…and we think that gives them the right to be called super.