Different fruit contains different amounts of nutrients, it is important to eat a variety of them to maximize the health benefits.

Eating fruit provides health benefits. People who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy eating style are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health, such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Focus on whole fruits (fresh, canned, frozen, or dried) instead of juice. The sugar naturally found in fruit does not count as added sugar.

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check. Eating non-starchy vegetables and fruits like apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables may even promote weight loss. (1) Their low glycemic loads prevent blood sugar spikes that can increase hunger.

1. Keep visible reminders

Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter, or in the refrigerator.

2. Experiment with flavor

Buy fresh fruits in season when they may be less expensive and at their peak flavor. Use them to sweeten a recipe instead of adding sugar.

3. Think about variety

Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or 100% juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.

4. Don’t forget the fiber

Make most of your choices whole or cut-up fruit, rather than juice, for the benefits that dietary fiber provides. Some high fiber fruit include raspberries, pears and apples (with the skin).

5. Include fruit at breakfast

At breakfast, top your cereal with bananas, peaches, or strawberries; add blueberries to pancakes; drink 100% orange or grapefruit juice. Or, try a fruit mixed with fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Adding Greek yogurt to fruit at breakfast adds additional nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus (2).

6. Try fruit at lunch

At lunch, pack a tangerine, banana, or grapes to eat or choose fruits from a salad bar. Individual containers of fruits like peaches or applesauce are easy to carry and convenient for lunch.

7. Enjoy fruit at dinner, too

At dinner, add crushed pineapple to coleslaw or include orange sections, dried cranberries, or grapes in a tossed salad. Try fruit salsa on top of fish.

8. Snack on fruits

Fruits make great snacks. Try dried fruits mixed with nuts, like this simple trail mix recipe, or whole fruits like apples. They are easy to carry and store well.

9. Be a good role model

Set a good example for children by eating fruit every day with meals or as snacks.

10. Keep fruits safe

Rinse fruits before preparing or eating them. Under clean, running water, rub fruits briskly to remove dirt and surface microorganisms. After rinsing, dry with a clean towel.

Content provided by choosemyplate.gov