Which fruit should you eat?

Why eat fruit?

Almost half of Australians don’t eat the recommended daily serving of fruit. Yet fruit works wonders for your health in so many ways. For example, fruit has unparalleled benefits for stroke prevention. In a meta-analysis of seven population studies, each additional daily serving decreased the risk of stroke by 11 per cent. Fruit also protects against heart attack and improves lung function by dampening inflammation in the body. This is especially important for those who have asthma or emphysema.

Eating more fruit (and vegetables) may also be the secret to maintaining your natural, youthful beauty, according to a study from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where higher intakes were correlated with measureable differences in skin tone and increased ratings of attractiveness by others.  

How much?

A minimum of two servings is required daily, but more is better (for example, one serving is one apple or two plums or one-and-a-half tablespoons of sultanas). Variety is also important. Different fruits are rich in different nutrients.

And don’t skip on fruit if you’re trying to lose weight or have diabetes. A clinical study published in Nutrition Journal found that people who ate at least two pieces of fruit per day over a three-month period did not experience any more negative effects on their average blood sugar than those who ate no more than two pieces per day. The researchers also recommended that fruit should not be restricted in people with diabetes. They should just spread it out over the day and eat it whole, not juiced.  

Which kinds?

So eat up and enjoy the multiple benefits of these natural health foods.

https://res-4.cloudinary.com/amn/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,h_320,w_700/v1498545575/Baked-apples-with-almonds-and-apricots_td1rf3.jpg

Baked apples with almonds and apricots

The apples have a low glycaemic index (GI) and the nuts and seeds will further reduce the impact of the total carbohydrates on your blood sugar level.

Preparation time: 15 mins | Cooking time: 45 mins | Serves: 6  

Ingredients

Method

PER SERVE: Energy 639 kJ (153 cal). Fat 3 g. Protein 2 g. Saturated fat 0 g. Carbohydrate 30 g. Fibre 5 g. Cholesterol 0 mg. Calcium 37 mg. Iron 1 mg.