Fruit Diets

Apple has a large amount of soluble fiber, pectin, and this assists in decreasing cholesterol. There is also some cancer fighting flavenoids. In apple juice, the fiber, minerals and vitamins may be washed away with the juices. So, it is advisable to eat a whole and fresh apple.

Apricot is one of the top ten nutritious fruits. Five apricots are equivalent to one apple. However, the amount of folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin K, iron, calcium and protein is more. It also consists of fiber, potassium and beta carotene.

Dried apricots are a rich source of fiber, potassium and beta carotene. In ten dried apricot halves, there are 3 grams of these.

Avocado provides more nutrition than any other fruit. These are rich in zinc, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, fiber and protein. Most of the calories of avocado come from monounsaturated fats that do not contain cholesterol and are healthy for the heart. Avocados are an excellent food for growing children. Adults prefer an apple per day rather than an avocado. Avocados are listed among the top ten fruits list.

Banana consists of a large amount of potassium. This is useful for people that have to follow certain medications, like diuretics, where the body is depleted of potassium. As bananas are smooth, they make a good baby food.

Blueberries comprise of anthocyanin in their skin. This is a cancer fighting phyto and an antioxidant. Boysenberries are rich in fiber. Cantaloupe contains a large quantity of potassium, beta carotene and vitamin C. Cherry supplies the body with beta carotene. It is found that this substance is more in sour cherries than sweet cherries. Dates consist of good quantities of niacin, iron and fiber.

Dried figs contain high calories and high carbohydrate and sugar. However, potassium, protein, fiber and calcium are also found in abundance. This food is not advisable for sugar sensitive people, but is recommended as a pre-game meal for athletes.

Grapefruit is an ideal fruit and contains low calories and high amounts of fiber and Vitamin C. Half the amount of the fiber is soluble pectin fiber and is beneficial for the heart. The remaining half is the insoluble type and is beneficial for the intestines. Rather than white, if the red or pink species is chosen, then there is an extra advantage of getting beta carotene. In case of purple and red grapes, the skin consists of anthocyanin pigments which fight cancer.

Guava comprises of large quantities of vitamin E and fiber. Honeydew melon can be compared with cantaloupe. Cantaloupe comprises of more calcium, slightly more fiber, twice the amount of protein and half the number of calories when compared with honeydew. Honeydew contains of a trace of beta carotene.

Kiwi is rich in vitamin C. Limes and Lemons are a moderate source of vitamin C. These add flavor to the dishes and decrease the need of salt in the diet. The amount of vitamin C in lemons is one third more than limes.

Mangoes consist of a large amount of fiber, vitamin C and beta carotene. However, the amount of calories is also high as compared to cantaloupe and papaya. Oranges have a high vitamin C amount and also a reasonable amount of fiber and folate. Some traces of calcium are also found. The white membrane below the skin of the orange has a large amount of vitamin C and pectin fiber as compared to the flesh.

Papaya is rich in carotenoids, fiber, vitamin C, folic acid and calcium. Peach consists of a small amount of carotenoids and traces of vitamin C. Pear comprises of a large quantity of sorbitol and has extra fiber. It is useful to treat constipation. Persimmons are a rich source of vitamin A, carotenoids and fiber. Some of the types have a considerable amount of vitamin C. Pineapple contains a large quantity of manganese and digestive enzymes. Plum comprises of vitamin C and a small amount of carotenoids.

Prunes have a rich content of iron, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, protein and fiber. They also contain traces of niacin, zinc and beta carotene. Prunes have a large amount of sorbitol that is the stool loosening sugar. So, they are useful to the intestines.

Raisins contain a large amount of iron and fiber. However, the amount of sugar and calories are also high. Raspberries are known to supply the maximum fiber in the least calories. These are rich in zinc and folic acid. Strawberries are rich in fiber and supply more amount of vitamin C per calorie. Tangerine has a less amount of vitamin C, fiber and folate as compared to an orange. However, the amount of carotenoids and vitamin A is more. Watermelon comprises of the carotenoid antioxidant lycopene.