The list you’ve been waiting for: healthiest fruits and when to find them

Eating fruit on a regular basis can boost health.

However, not all fruits are created equal. Some of them provide unique health benefits.

Here are the 20 healthiest fruits on earth.

1. Grapefruit Grapefruit is one of the healthiest citrus fruits. Besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, it is known for its ability to aid weight loss and reduce insulin resistance. For example, in a study in 91 people, those who ate half a fresh grapefruit before meals lost 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) more weight than those who didn’t (1Trusted Source). In the same study, the grapefruit group had a significant reduction in insulin levels and reduced insulin resistance (1Trusted Source). Also, eating grapefruit has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and help prevent kidney stones (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Grapefruit is highly nutritious. Eating it may reduce insulin resistance, cholesterol and help prevent kidney stones. Grapefruit may also be useful for weight loss.

2. Pineapple Among the tropical fruits, pineapple is a nutrition superstar. One cup (237 ml) of pineapple provides 131% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C and 76% of the RDI for manganese (5). Pineapple also contains bromelain, a mixture of enzymes known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to digest protein (6Trusted Source). Test-tube and animal studies suggest that bromelain may help protect against cancer and tumor growth (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and manganese. Its bromelain content may fight inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer.

3. Avocado Avocado is different from most other fruits. Most fruits are high in carbs, while avocado is low in carbs and comprised mainly of healthy fats. The majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source). In addition to healthy fats, avocados are loaded with potassium, fiber and magnesium (11). One whole avocado provides 28% of the RDI for potassium. Adequate potassium intake is associated with reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke (11, 12Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Avocados are rich in healthy fats and potassium, both of which are well known for their role in promoting heart health.

4. Blueberries Blueberries have powerful health benefits. They have an impressive nutrition profile, being particularly high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese (13). Blueberries are also exceptionally high in antioxidants. In fact, they are believed to contain the highest antioxidant content of the most commonly consumed fruits (14Trusted Source). The antioxidants in blueberries may reduce the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s (15Trusted Source). Blueberries are also known for their powerful effects on the immune system. One study found that eating blueberries regularly may increase natural killer cells in the body. These help defend you against oxidative stress and viral infections (16Trusted Source). Additionally, the antioxidants in blueberries may have a protective effect on your brain. For example, eating blueberries has been shown to improve memory in older adults (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Blueberries are rich in a few important nutrients. They have a high antioxidant capacity and immune-enhancing properties, which may protect the body from illness.

5. Apples Apples are among the most popular fruits, and also happen to be incredibly nutritious. They contain a high amount of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K. They also provide some B vitamins (19). Studies suggest that the antioxidants in apples can promote heart health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source). The antioxidant activity in apples has also been linked with increased bone density in animal and test-tube studies (24Trusted Source). Another notable health benefit of apples is their pectin content. Pectin is a prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps improve digestion and metabolic health (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Apples are very nutritious. Their nutrients, antioxidants and fiber may reduce the risk of disease and improve digestion.

6. Pomegranate Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits you can eat. Not only are they nutrient dense, they also contain powerful plant compounds that are responsible for most of their health benefits. The antioxidant levels in pomegranate have been shown to be three times higher than those of green tea and red wine (27Trusted Source). Studies have also shown that pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of cancer (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Pomegranates have wide-ranging health benefits. They are incredibly high in antioxidants and other plant compounds that can help reduce inflammation and prevent disease.

7. Mango Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C. They also contain soluble fiber, which can provide many health benefits. Additionally, mangoes have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of disease (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source). In animal studies, the plant compounds in mangoes have been shown to protect against diabetes (31Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Mangoes contain vitamin C and soluble fiber. They also contain plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

8. Strawberries Strawberries are highly nutritious. Their vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium contents are where they really shine (34). Compared to other fruits, strawberries have a relatively low glycemic index. Eating them shouldn’t cause a big blood sugar spike (35, 36Trusted Source). Similarly to other berries, strawberries have a high antioxidant capacity, which may reduce your risk of chronic disease (37Trusted Source). Animal and test-tube studies have found that strawberries may also help prevent cancer and tumor formation (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Strawberries are rich in several nutrients and antioxidants. Eating them may help control your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of some diseases.

9. Cranberries Cranberries have impressive health benefits. They have an excellent nutrition profile, being rich in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E, vitamin K1 and copper (40). They also contain a significant amount of antioxidants called flavanol polyphenols, which can improve health (41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source). What makes cranberries unique from other fruits is that their juices and extracts help prevent urinary tract infections (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source). A-Type proanthocyanidins are the compounds thought to be responsible for this effect, as they can prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder and urinary tract (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Cranberries are rich in several nutrients and antioxidants. They also contain beneficial plant compounds that help prevent urinary tract infections.

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10. Lemons Lemons are a very healthy citrus fruit known for their high vitamin C content. They may be particularly helpful in promoting heart health due to their potential to lower blood lipids and blood pressure (45Trusted Source, 46Trusted Source). Based on findings from animal studies, researchers have also proposed that the plant compounds in lemons can help prevent weight gain (47Trusted Source, 48Trusted Source). Other studies show that the citric acid in lemon juice has the ability to treat kidney stones (49Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Lemons are rich in vitamin C and other plant compounds that may promote heart health, boost weight loss and help prevent kidney stones.

11. Durian Durian is nicknamed the “king of fruits.” One cup (237 ml) of durian provides 80% of the RDI for vitamin C (50). It is also rich in manganese, B vitamins, copper, folate and magnesium (50). Furthermore, durian contains several healthy plant compounds that function as antioxidants (51Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Durian is rich in nutrients and plant compounds that can provide some promising health benefits.

Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C. It’s also rich in some important antioxidants, including lycopene, carotenoids and cucurbitacin E. Some of watermelon’s antioxidants have been studied for their anti-cancer effects. Lycopene intake is linked with a reduced risk of cancers of the digestive system, while cucurbitacin E may inhibit tumor growth (52Trusted Source, 53Trusted Source). Consuming lycopene-rich foods can also promote heart health because of their ability to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure (52Trusted Source). Of all the fruits, watermelon is one of the most hydrating. It is made up of 92% water, which can help you feel more full (52Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Watermelon is high in water, nutrients and antioxidants. It is also particularly high in a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.H

13. Olives Olives are a good source of vitamin E, iron, copper and calcium. They also provide a lot of antioxidants, which may help prevent heart disease and liver damage, as well as have anti-inflammatory effects (54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56). Similarly to avocados, olives contain oleic acid, which may provide several benefits for heart health and cancer prevention (57Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source). Additionally, animal studies have linked some of the plant compounds in olives with a reduced risk of osteoporosis (59Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Olives provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

14. Blackberries Blackberries are another incredibly healthy fruit, packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They provide an impressive amount of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. One cup (237 ml) of blackberries provides a whopping 8 grams of fiber (60). Also, the antioxidants in blackberries have been shown to reduce inflammation and aging of the arteries. Both effects may protect against chronic illness, such as heart disease and cancer (37Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Blackberries are a good source of many nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may lower the risk of chronic disease.

15. Oranges Oranges are one of the most popular and nutritious fruits in the world. Eating one medium orange will provide a significant amount of vitamin C and potassium. They’re also a good source of B vitamins, such as thiamine and folate (62). The plant compounds in oranges are responsible for most of their health benefits. These include flavonoids, carotenoids and citric acid. For example, citric acid may reduce the risk of kidney stones (63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source). Oranges are similar to lemons with their impressive amounts of vitamin C and citric acid, which help increase iron absorption and prevent anemia (65Trusted Source, 66Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Oranges contain some important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These may reduce the risk of several conditions such as kidney stones and anemia.

16. Bananas Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals and have quite a few health benefits to offer. They are well known for being high in potassium. One medium banana provides 12% of the RDI for this mineral (67). One unique property of bananas is their carb makeup. The carbs in green, unripe bananas consist largely of resistant starch, which may improve blood sugar control and make you feel full (68Trusted Source). Bananas also contain pectin, which may improve blood sugar control and digestive health (69Trusted Source, 70Trusted Source, 71Trusted Source). Moreover, studies have shown that the high carb and mineral content of bananas makes them a great source of fuel before exercise (72Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Bananas provide several nutrients and plant compounds, including resistant starch and pectin. Bananas can have benefits for exercise, blood sugar control and digestive health.

17. Red and Purple Grapes Grapes are very healthy. Their high antioxidant content is what makes them stand out. The anthocyanins and resveratrol in grapes have both been shown to reduce inflammation (73Trusted Source, 74Trusted Source). Also, animal studies suggest that the plant compounds in grapes may help protect your heart, eyes, joints and brain (75Trusted Source, 76Trusted Source, 77Trusted Source, 78Trusted Source, 79Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Red and purple grapes are rich in nutrients and other plant compounds that can decrease inflammation and lower your risk of disease.

18. Guava Guava has a remarkable nutrition profile. Eating just one ounce (28 grams) of guava will give you 107% of the RDI for vitamin C (80). Guava is also rich in fiber, folate, vitamin A, potassium, copper and manganese (80). The antioxidants in guava have been shown to protect cells from oxidative damage, indicating that they may help reduce the risk of chronic disease (81Trusted Source, 82Trusted Source). Guava is another great source of pectin, which benefits digestion and may help prevent colon cancer (83Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Guava is high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It may reduce inflammation and help prevent certain cancers.

19. Papaya Papaya is a very healthy fruit that is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and folate. It is also rich in the anti-cancer antioxidant lycopene (84Trusted Source). What’s more, studies show that the body absorbs lycopene better from papaya than from other lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables (85Trusted Source). There is also some evidence that papaya may improve digestion. It contains papain, an enzyme that makes protein easier to digest (86Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Papaya is nutrient dense and rich in antioxidants. Eating it may reduce your risk of cancer and improve digestion.

20. Cherries Cherries are rich in nutrients, especially potassium, fiber and vitamin C. They contain antioxidants, including anthocyanins and carotenoids, which reduce inflammation and may help prevent several diseases (87Trusted Source, 88Trusted Source). Another impressive health benefit of cherries is their melatonin content (89Trusted Source). Melatonin is a hormone that signals your brain when it’s time to sleep. It may help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders (90Trusted Source). One study concluded that the melatonin content in tart cherry juice enhanced sleep duration and quality (91Trusted Source). BOTTOM LINE:Cherries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. They also contain melatonin, which may improve the quality of your sleep.

Take Home Message All fruits are healthy, but some are even healthier than others. Try eating a variety of fruits from the list above to boost your health.