14 Healthy Fruits & Vegetables for Disease Prevention

Eat your greens. One apple a day keeps the doctor away. We have been hearing phrases like these since we were young but have you ever wondered what exactly makes these fruits and vegetables good for your health? In the following infographic, we highlight the health benefits of 17 common fruits and vegetables.

Grapefruits
Pink and red grapefruits contain a nutrient called lycopene, which is considered to have good anti-tumor benefits. Studies also suggest that lycopene could help fight oxygen-free radicals. If you do not like eating grapefruits by itself then try following recipes like grapefruit chicken satay salads or a grapefruit cocktails.

Cantaloupes
Cantaloupes are packed with plenty of nutrients and sweetness. They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research also suggests that cantaloupes are also great for people who suffer from metabolic syndromes.

Apples
Apples contain a nutrient called polyphenol. This particular phytonutrient is thought to have good antioxidant properties, especially for your cardiovascular system.

Lemon/Limes
Along with being a good complement to many food recipes, lemon and lime contains great health benefits such as having the property to fight cancers for various parts of the body including the mouth, skin, breast, and stomach.

Papayas
Don’t be deterred by the exquisite look of the Papaya fruit. According to some studies, papayas could provide protection against a number of different body conditions like heart disease. The fiber found in Papaya fruits could also improve your digestive health.

Cranberries
Cranberries are known for having properties that help with preventing urinary tract infections. Cranberries also contain nutrients that provide protection for your cardiovascular system.

Note: please make sure you store these fruits and vegetables at home. They can attract unwanted pests like ants and fruit flies if they are left in the open for too long.

Pears
In countries like Korea, pear juice is mixed with honey to form a powerful home remedy against common sicknesses like colds and fevers. Pears are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to one study, pears could also reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes and common heart diseases.

Cauliflowers
Cauliflowers contain a diverse profile of nutrients despite their plain look. They contain antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K. Researchers also suggest that cauliflowers could help with reducing the risks of cancer.

Carrots
Carrots contain nutrients like carotenoids, which could boost your vision health. Studies have also indicated that carrots could play a part in reducing the risk of cancer.

Bok Choys
Bok Choys are really popular in Asian dishes. They contain nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K, which are important for strong bone growth and heart disease prevention.

Beets
Beets are an excellent source of a mineral called folate (also known as vitamin B9). Folate is a nutrient that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair. Past studies have also suggested that folate could boost the fertility of men.

Kale
Kale is a popular choice of vegetable for people who seek a diverse profile of nutrients. One cup of kale could contain nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Combined, these nutrients can provide some great anti-oxidant benefits.

Swiss Chard
Swiss chards are interesting vegetables because of their unique color. Along with being a rich source of vitamins, multiple studies have indicated that Swiss chards are good for regulating blood sugar levels.

Asparagus
Asparagus comes with great anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Asparagus also provides good support for the digestive system. The nutrient inulin, which asparagus has plenty of, is considered to be a good source of bacteria that promote better nutrient absorption.

In addition to the above fruits and vegetables, you may want to also consider growing herbs known for pest-repelling properties such as basil and thyme, which can be used for a lot of different cooking recipes.