The top 25 healthy fruits: Blueberries, apples, cherries, bananas and 21 more healthy picks

Cantaloupe
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 25 calories, less than 1 g fibre, source of vitamin A, folate and potassium
• Disease-fighting factor: Cantaloupe is high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Cantaloupe is a perfect diet food since it has about half the calories of most other fruits. 
• Did you know? Since bacteria can grow on the outside rind, it is important to wash cantaloupe before cutting into it. 

Cherry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 46 calories, 1.5 g fibre, rich in antioxidants
• Disease-fighting factor: Sour cherries contain more of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin than any other fruit. Anthocyanin may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and gout.
• Did you know? Sour cherries, commonly used in pie and jam, have more vitamin C than sweet cherries do, but much of it is lost when they are heated.

Cranberry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 25 calories, 2.5 g fibre, rich in antioxidants
• Disease-fighting factor: Cranberries are antibacterial and studies show that they can help treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Recent research has also linked cranberries to the prevention of kidney stones and ulcers.
• Did you know? Unsweetened cranberry juice makes an excellent mouthwash – studies show it can help kill bacteria and fight cavities.

Fig (dried)
• Nutritional value (2 dried figs): 42 calories, 1.5 g fibre, source of potassium, calcium and iron
• Disease-fighting factor: High in fibre, figs may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Did you know? Puréed figs make an excellent substitute for fat (like butter or oil) in baked goods. Simply purée 1 cup (250 mL) of dried figs with 1/4 cup (50 mL) of water, then replace half of the fat called for in the recipe with an equal amount of the fig mixture.

Goji berry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 90 calories, 2.5 g fibre, source of vitamin A,
rich in antioxidants
• Disease-fighting factor: Goji berries are a nutrient powerhouse, containing six vitamins, 21 minerals and a slew of antioxidants. They have been linked to the prevention of diabetes and cancer, but more research is needed to understand their effects.
• Did you know? Dried goji berries, which look like dried cranberries, can be found in most health food and bulk stores.
Note: Health Canada has warned people using the prescription drug Warfarin to avoid goji berries, because they can alter the drug’s effectiveness.

Frozen fruit
If your favourite fresh fruit is only available for six weeks of the year, head to the frozen food aisle. Grocery store freezers house a variety of affordable frozen fruit, ranging from cubed mango to woodland blueberries to tropical fruit salad.

Not only is frozen fruit convenient, but it's also equally nutritious – if not more so – than its fresh counterpart. Fresh fruit starts to lose nutrients as soon as it's picked. The time between harvest and consumption can be long enough for significant nutrient losses to occur. Frozen fruit, however, is picked and frozen immediately, retaining much of the nutrient value. Plus, since frozen fruit is already washed, peeled and cut, it's a breeze to use. It can be thawed at room temperature or defrosted in the microwave. Once defrosted, eat it as you would fresh fruit, or use it atop cereal, mixed in yogurt or blended into smoothies.

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