Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds called phytonutrients. As such, it’s one of the healthiest foods you can eat.
Some fruits are even considered “superfoods” due to their numerous benefits. Even though there’s no exact definition of what constitutes a superfood, they’re often rich in health-boosting compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (
Many fruits have been studied for their health effects. Although it’s clear that total fresh fruit intake is an important factor in disease prevention, certain fruits stand out due to their robust nutrient content and associated benefits (
Here are 25 super fruits to add to your diet today.
In addition to their pleasing taste, plums offer a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and health-protective plant compounds (
They’re particularly rich in hydroxycinnamic acids, which are a type of polyphenol antioxidant. By reducing cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals, antioxidants may reduce your risk of various diseases (
Strawberries are particularly high in antioxidants like vitamin C, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids (
In a 3-week study, 21 women who ate 9 ounces (250 grams) of frozen strawberries daily experienced a significant increase in antioxidant activity in their blood (
What’s more, these healthy berries may slash your risk of disease.
Research suggests that eating strawberries may help reduce heart disease risk factors, lower inflammatory markers, and increase fiber intake, all of which may protect against chronic health conditions like heart disease and certain cancers (
Despite their small size, grapes pack a serious nutritional punch. Many varieties exist, and while all make a healthy choice, some are higher in antioxidants than others.
In a recent study comparing 30 grape varieties, Black Pearl, Summer Royal Black, Pearl Green, Seedless Green, and Seedless Red grapes exhibited the strongest antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging activities (
These varieties were found to be packed with antioxidants like caffeic acid, epicatechin, catechin gallate, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, and rutin (
Indeed, these antioxidants may be the reason why these tasty fruits are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers (
Apples are associated with a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and several cancers, including colorectal cancer (
Notably, they’re a concentrated source of flavonoid antioxidants.
Peaches are often enjoyed in jams and pies, but it’s best to eat peaches raw.
That’s because fresh peach peels and pulp have higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity than cooked peach products (
Avocados are not only creamy and delicious but also packed with nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins C and K1 (
In fact, studies suggest that these fatty fruits may help reduce weight, blood sugar levels, and heart disease risk factors like LDL (bad) cholesterol (
The impressive benefits of blueberries are well documented.
These berries contain several potent antioxidants and are especially rich in anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that account for up to 60% of their total polyphenol compounds (25).
Eating fresh blueberries each day, even in moderate amounts of 1/3 cup (113 grams), has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as slower rates of mental decline in older adults (25).
Thanks to their high concentration of vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants, cherries have powerful anti-inflammatory properties (
Both sweet and tart cherries — as well as their juice and powder — are associated with many health benefits.
For example, a review of 29 studies found that consuming these foods led to reductions in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as decreased blood pressure, VLDL cholesterol, and HbA1c — a marker of long-term blood sugar control (
Grapefruits may help improve the nutrient content of your diet. A review of studies in over 12,000 people showed that people who ate this citrus fruit had higher intakes of magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, compared with those who didn’t eat it (
Plus, the analysis found that women who ate grapefruit had lower body weights, as well as lower levels of triglycerides and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP), plus higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol (
Blackberries are packed with anthocyanin pigments, and evidence suggests that eating them regularly benefits your health.
An 8-week study in 72 people with high blood fat levels gave one group 10.1 ounces (300 mL) of blackberry juice and pulp daily.
Those who drank this combo experienced significant reductions in blood pressure and CRP levels, as well as significant increases in HDL (good) cholesterol, compared with a control group (
Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) are native to eastern North America and typically found in jams, juices, and purées. They’re a concentrated source of phenolic acids and flavonoids, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols (
In a 12-week study, 66 healthy men who consumed chokeberry powder and extract daily experienced improved blood flow and increased blood levels of phenolic antioxidants, which may improve heart health (
Although often considered a vegetable, tomatoes are a type of fruit.
They’re one of the richest sources of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that’s associated with powerful heart benefits (
It should be noted that tomato peels contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants than the pulp. For this reason, be sure to enjoy tomatoes — and tomato products — unpeeled (
In addition to being high in polyphenol antioxidants, raspberries are one of the richest sources of fiber among all fruits and veggies (
Test-tube and animal studies suggest that eating these berries may reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, though human research is needed (
Blood oranges are a sweet orange with a reddish rind due to their high levels of anthocyanins (
They’re also loaded with vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant. In fact, blood oranges typically contain 32–42 mg of vitamin C per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) — or 35–47% of the Daily Value (DV) for this vitamin (
Nectarines are high in vitamin C, beta carotene, and numerous other antioxidant compounds (
Consuming beta-carotene-rich fruits like nectarines may help reduce disease risk and early death. One review of studies in over 174,000 people associated beta carotene intake with a significantly reduced risk of death from all causes (
Many studies tie pomegranates to a variety of health benefits. These fruits boast compounds like ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and organic acids, which give pomegranates potent antioxidant activity (
Human research reveals that pomegranate juice and extracts may help reduce oxidative stress, blood pressure, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammation, and muscle damage. Animal and test-tube studies suggest anticancer properties as well (
Mangos are a popular tropical fruit full of antioxidants, including gallic acid, quercetin, and ellagic acid, as well as the carotenoids lutein, alpha carotene, and beta carotene, which give the fruit its yellowish hue (
Mangos are also rich in fiber and may help promote healthy bowel movements.
Goji berries are native to Asia, where they’ve long been used as a functional food to promote health and increase longevity (
Due to their high antioxidant levels, these fruits are incorporated into tinctures, teas, and other herbal remedies to treat conditions that affect your eyes, liver, kidneys, and digestive system (
Goji berries are high in fiber, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and carotenoid pigments, which give this fruit its bright orange-red color.
Goji berries may protect your vision and lower blood levels of blood fats. Plus, they may have anticancer, immune-protecting, and brain-boosting properties (
Cranberries are packed with beneficial plant compounds.
Human and animal studies note that eating cranberries and cranberry products may lower certain blood fat levels and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetes effects (
Cranberries are quite tart, so they’re often enjoyed dried and sweetened, or in sweet dishes like sauces and jams. To get the most benefits, opt for low sugar or unsweetened products.
Lemons are commonly used to flavor foods and beverages.
This citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, essential oils, and polyphenol antioxidants (
Watermelon is a hydrating fruit that’s loaded with fiber, vitamin C, provitamin A, and many antioxidants. Animal studies demonstrate that it has powerful anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and liver-supportive properties (
What’s more, watermelon is the richest food source of the amino acid l-citrulline. L-citrulline is needed for the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule that’s essential for blood vessel dilation and other bodily functions (
You may have heard of acai berries due to the popularity of acai bowls, a delicious concoction made with frozen acai berries and other fruits.
These berries’ polyphenol antioxidants may offer numerous benefits (
For example, human studies link acai berries and juice to higher blood antioxidant levels, protection against cellular damage, and reduced levels of blood fats, blood sugar, and insulin (
Although all fruits are nutritious, some stand out because of their high levels of nutrients and plant compounds.
If you’re looking to improve your diet quality and reap fruits’ health benefits, try out some of the foods above.