What are fruits and why are they good for us?

Fruit is the ovary of a flowering plant. The flesh of the fruit holds the seed or seeds of the plant. So, technically speaking, bananas, corn grains, cucumbers and almonds – just to mention a few – can all be classified as fruits. However, most think of fruit as something sweet – sometimes a little sour – and succulent or pulpy (Britannica, 2019).

Are fruits healthy to eat?

Fruit contributes key nutrients to our diets: dietary fiber, potassium, vitamins and minerals. Many of them contain phytochemicals, which have antioxidant properties. These reduce the risk of diseases like cancer.

Antioxidants found in fruit include:

• Beta-carotene (in orange and yellow fruit)
• Lycopene (in tomatoes)
• Vitamin C

Fruits and veggies also help to slow down the aging process. Fruit is low in fat, sodium, and calories, which is another reason why it is a healthy snack.

How much fruit should you eat a day?

Fruit still contains natural sugars, and so even though it is much healthier than a chocolate bar, it is not good to consume in excess.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommends a 2 cup-equivalents of fruit per day. This can vary depending on a person’s age, sex, and level of physical activity. At least half of this amount should come from whole fruits as they contain the necessary dietary fiber. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (n.d.), a cup of 100% fruit juice, without added sugars, counts as one cup of fruit. Also, half a cup of dried fruit can be considered as a cup of whole fruit.

References

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2019, July 28). Fruit. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from here.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). What foods are in the Fruit Group? ChooseMyPlate. Retrieved from here.