This time of year you won’t necessarily want to eat fruit, but it can boost your immune system and help you maintain a healthy weight.
You may be surprised to know that pineapple is a seasonal fruit in winter in Europe. Come winter, you may find yourself gravitating towards winter squash and other hearty vegetables. But do not forget about the fruit. Making a place for them in your diet is important because the nutrients in these fruits support the immune system and your overall health, not to mention a healthy weight.
Fruits rich in vitamin C
When it comes to immunity, vitamin C is a star nutrient for fighting colds and winter illnesses and citrus fruits are full of it. Vitamin C is a powerful, evidence-based, well-researched, and extensively studied antiviral. For the greatest benefits, previous research suggests that whole foods containing vitamin C are preferable to vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements. Also, be sure to spread out foods that contain vitamin C throughout the day, as this vitamin is water soluble, which means your body will eliminate any excess of this nutrient.
Vitamin C helps the body make white blood cells, the warrior cells of the immune system. These cells attack foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. And while vitamin C doesn’t prevent you from getting a cold, it might reduce the length and severity of your illness. Thus, it could prevent your simple cold from turning into something more serious, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. While vitamin C-rich citrus fruits may be a winter highlight, they’re not the only nutritious fruits the season has to offer. Here are eight of the best fruits to eat in winter.
1 Pears for their high fiber content
One pear provides 5.58 grams (g) of fiber, making it a good source of this nutrient. Fiber is important for the immune system because it stimulates the growth of good bacteria. The more fiber you eat, the more your immune cell population will increase. Additionally, fibrous foods, including pears, may independently help maintain a healthy weight, as found in a randomized controlled trial published October 2019 in the Journal of Nutrition. Fiber promotes satiety, which can prevent overeating.
2 Pineapple, like citrus, is an excellent source of vitamin C with 78.9 milligrams (mg) in 1 cup. This tropical fruit also has other health benefits, including disease-fighting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and benefits for the nervous and digestive systems, according to a September 2020 analysis published in Food Research International.
3 blueberries
The holiday dinner staple isn’t just festive, it’s also nutritious. According to a study published in Advances in Nutrition, blueberries can help reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of developing coronary heart disease. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, with 14 mg in a cup of raw whole cranberries. Sprinkling blueberries is a great way to liven up your salads.
4 khaki
This Asian fruit is a good source of vitamin A, with 138 micrograms (mcg) in one fruit. Vitamin A may improve immune function and help protect the body against infectious diseases, according to a review published in September 2018 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. “It is important for our barrier immunity, which is our lining in the throat and lungs.
5 oranges
One orange contains almost 82mg of vitamin C, making it an excellent source of this vitamin. But don’t try to replace real fruit juice with brick juice. It’s best to eat the whole fruit, since the juice usually contains added sugar and essential nutrients like fiber. An orange is a good source of fiber, with 3.6g, so you don’t want to miss out. Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of oranges, try tangerines or clementines, which are nutritionally similar.
6 grapefruit
Grapefruit is another excellent source of vitamin C, with half a raw grapefruit containing 43.7 mg. Grapefruit also contains lycopene, which has antioxidant properties and may play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, according to a study published in Oncology.
7 grenade
A cup of this festive red fruit is an excellent source of fiber (7 g) and a good source of vitamin C (17.8 mg). Additionally, pomegranate is high in vitamin K, with 28.7 mcg in one cup. Vitamin K helps blood clot and promotes healthy bones in the body, according to the NIH.
8 The Kiwi
One kiwi contains 56 mg of vitamin C, making it an excellent source of this vitamin. Eat a kiwi for breakfast. It’s a great way to top up on vitamin C and boost your immune system early in the day. Kiwi is also an excellent source of vitamin K, with 30.2 mcg per fruit. Fun fact: you can enjoy this fruit with the skin on, contrary to popular belief. You can do this to further increase the health benefits: The skin increases its fiber content by 50%.
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fruits fruit in winter Vitamin C