All fruit is not created equal. We are pretty familiar with the benefits of getting our vitamin C from oranges, apples and grapefruits or the potassium in banana and even the good fats found in avocado but there are four not so popular fruit in this bunch that pack a punch in vitamin A, C, fiber and antioxidants.  You may not see some of them often, but you should make an effort to find them and incorporate them in your daily consumption. Your body will thank you in more ways than you can imagine.

Guava

You may find this pink tree grown fruit in your local market, but if not you can definitely find it in an Asian, Puerto Rican, Mexican or Central American market. It is related to clove, allspice and eucalyptus. One succulent guava packs two times the recommended serving of vitamin C and also provides a healthy level of vitamin A to support your immune system. This apple like super fruit is also high in fiber, assisting in weight loss and has antioxidants that maybe be helpful in preventing cancer. This fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and both skin and seeds are edible. It is also believed that  the guava leaf served as a tea can assist in reducing diabetes. Inside this fruit resembles a cross between an apple and watermelon. Due to its delicious sweetness guava juice is also very popular.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit shaped like an oval can be found in your local market or farmers market. It is sweet and has a crunchy flesh with lots of small black seeds. A member of the cactus family, this super fruit has an appetizing taste like both pear and kiwi and delivers many essential nutrients.  A delicious but low-calorie food, this power fruit is cholesterol-free, a  blood pressure and cholesterol level stabilizer, is high in fiber content,  improves digestion, prevents constipation and over delivers in vitamins A,B, C and E, minerals and antioxidants. This fruit is on the pricy side but is well worth it’s price in gold!  

Kiwi Fruit

Small but packed with more vitamin C than an orange, the bright green flesh of the kiwifruit speckled with tiny black seeds adds to its beautiful presentation.  Native to China, kiwifruits were originally known as Yang Tao.  This  fruit is available year round in most grocery stores.  Small fruit slightly larger than a lime and close to its color inside has  an invigorating taste reminiscent of strawberries and melons , yet has its own unique sweet flavor. This power fruit helps to reduce blood clotting,  is an excellent source of vitamin C, and is a good source of potassium and magnesium all of which may function to protect the blood vessels and heart.

Black Cherry

Apart from being so yummy in taste, these small fruits are packed with nutrients which can reduce the risk of many illnesses as well as treat symptoms of other medical conditions. Black cherry juice is beneficial in reducing inflammation and drinking 8-16 ounces daily for two weeks can prevent gout attacks by reducing the urate levels. Also drinking an ounce of concentrated black cherry juice an hour before sleep, helps in a sound sleep while benefitting  your heart.  Black cherries contain several antioxidants that prevent the formation of cancerous cells. Regular consumption of black cherry helps reduce high blood cholesterol, prevents age-related deterioration of eyesight and premature ageing. Black cherries are low in calories, aid in weight loss and helps skin and hair.

Quick Power Fruit Ideas:

Kiwi Fruit Salad

Guava Smoothie

Dragon Fruit Pudding

Cherry Parfait