Five Fruits That Will Increase Your Nutrient Intake

A variety of fruits is important to your diet if you want to benefit from as many nutrients as you can. Not only will they help you stay trim, but also fruit can help you stay much healthier, and prevent colds. While many offer similar nutrients, they each have their own unique vitamins and minerals. Here are five fruits you should incorporate into your diet.

1. Blackberries

Blackberries might be small, but they are packed with nutrients. They are a source of vitamins C and K as well as fiber, flavanols, magnesium, antioxidants, and manganese. Antioxidants help to protect the body against cancers by fighting free radicals that damage cells. Magnesium helps to produce energy, prevent migraines, and calm nerves. Vitamin C plays many roles in the body. It keeps skin looking young and healthy. It promotes eye health and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C also helps the body to absorb iron and heal wounds.

2. Pineapple

Pineapple is a source of vitamins C, B1 (thiamin), and B6, and manganese, potassium, magnesium, copper, and bromelain. B6 helps to improve mood, support brain function, and help to treat anemia. Copper is a trace mineral that is especially important to the liver, kidneys, and brain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory, which helps to reduce swelling in the body. Swelling can lead to pain, arthritis, and even ulcers.

3. Bananas

Bananas are helpful for improving mood. They contain tryptophan, which converts to serotonin. Serotonin helps to fights depression and anxiety and reduce mood changes. Bananas also contain vitamins A and B6, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin A plays a role in eye health. It helps to improve night vision and prevent macular degeneration. Potassium is important in producing energy, reducing blood pressure, preventing stroke, and provide water balance.

4. Pears

Pears are a good source of folate, boron, magnesium, and vitamins K and C. Boron is a mineral that plays a role in estrogen production, bone health, and prevention of arthritis. Folate (also known as folic acid and B9) is important for preventing birth defects such as spina bifida. A deficiency in folate may cause grey hair and fatigue. Vitamin K plays an important role in helping wounds to heal. It also helps to transport calcium throughout the body.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious berries you can eat. They might be tiny, but their benefits are not. Blueberries contain more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Blueberries may also play a role in lowering blood pressure, preventing heart disease, slowing the aging process, and improving brain function. They contain fibre, manganese, and vitamins C and K. Blueberries also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for protecting the eyes from macular degeneration.

Adding a variety of fruits to your diet will increase the amount of nutrients your body receives. This will improve your health and help to prevent illness and disease, and hopefully be another prevention against allergies!