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Fruit Combines Sensual Delights With Sound Nutrition

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One of the true sensual delights of summer is strolling through farmers’ markets and taking in the broad spectrum of colors and tempting aroma of freshly picked fruits. While fruit is aesthetically pleasing, the real beauty lies in the significant health benefits that fruits can provide to you and your family.

Fruits contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Almost all fruits contain carbohydrates and a small amount of protein, but very little, if any, fat. Fruits, even more than vegetables, are loaded with unique phytochemicals which are nature’s most potent antibacterial, antifungal, anti- tumor and anti-inflammatory fighters. People whose diets include generous amounts of fruits and vegetables are likely to have a decreased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Fresh fruit does not have to be expensive, especially this time of year when crops are plentiful. Buy locally whenever possible to support your local farmers. Fresh is best when it really is farm-fresh and ripe. Unfortunately, many commercial fruits and veggies are picked before peak ripeness to avoid spoilage during transport and storage. And just a few days after harvest, fruits and vegetables begin to lose some of their nutritive goodness. The longer they sit on the shelf (during transport, in the supermarket, and in your fridge) the fewer nutrients they have left to pass on to you.

To encourage your family to eat more fruit, keep it where it is most likely to be seen, like on the counter or in the front of the refrigerator. If you see it, you are more likely to eat it. Experiment with different varieties and explore opportunities to incorporate them into your diet. Toss some blueberries on your morning granola, munch an apple for your midmorning snack, slice up some bananas and mix them with your favorite yogurt or serve fresh strawberries for dessert.

It is critical to include plenty of fruit in your diet whether you eat it fresh or take advantage of a fortified supplement. Fruit is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts to our health and can have a tremendous positive impact on the way we look and feel.