My Four Best Fruits!

As I forge ahead in the Canadian Living 6-Week Slim Down, I'm discovering fruits (ie., goji berries) that I've seldom included in my diet - and rediscovering old favourites that haven't made an appearance in my kitchen in a long time. Last week I enjoyed a mouthful of fresh blueberries and the taste brought me right back to late summer at the cottage when I was a teen. My mom would toss us kids a bunch of baskets, pile us into the car and off we'd go to pick our own. They're just as delicious all these years later. But why is it they rarely end up in my shopping cart - especially considering how good they are for you. Fruits are essential to our health, our resident registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom reminded me recently. They're bursting with all manner of vitamins, they fill you up and many fruits are incredible sources of antioxidants, which can beef up the immune system and help prevent disease. Here are the four fruits I've been eating in the last month and why they're good for you:

Apple: • This easy-to-pack fruit contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma. For maximum flavour, don't peel your apple.

Blueberry • Blueberries are No. 1 in antioxidant activity compared to 60 other fresh fruits and vegetables. They may help lower the risk of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. (Another advantage of buying blueberries: they freeze well.) Check out one of our Tested Til Perfect Blueberry Recipes.

Goji berry • Goji berries are a nutrient powerhouse, containing six vitamins, 21 minerals and a host of antioxidants. Some health experts believe goji berries can help prevent diabetes.

Orange • This citrus fruit is a good source of folate, an important vitamin for pregnant women (not that I'm too concerned about that at this stage of life) and it may lower triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels (the latter IS important to me!)

For the complete story on fruits and what they can do for your health, read Cara Rosenbloom's article The top 25 healthy fruits. What fruits are you including in your 6-Week Slim Down?