Common Fruit List

Fruits that we see and eat everyday get taken for granted. Our fruit list covers many of them. Fruit nutrition news reports cover research findings and health benefits of exotic fruits and berries but tend to overlook everyday healthy fruit.

Do you opt for a chocolate bar over an apple or banana as a snack? Lots of people do. But many of these same people would change their snacking choices if they knew the real benefits of common fruits.

Our common fruit list reference guide contains many fruits that you will often buy and eat. Some of the benefits of fruit nutrition that you don't hear too much about I'll cover briefly here.

Dietary Fiber

Most fruits are high in dietary fiber. This is important in controlling blood sugar levels, decreasing blood cholesterol levels, and significantly reducing the risk of colon, breast and rectal cancers.

Phytochemicals

These are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables that help to fight disease including heart disease. Examples are carotenoids and flavanoids.

Recent studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables results in a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease. These benefits can't be attributed to major macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates and fats, or to known vitamins and minerals.

Flavanoids

Flavanoids are abundant in fruits. In test tube studies they have been shown to protect collagen, one of the most important components of the capilliary walls. Flavanoids are a nutrient found in the white, pithy parts of fruits and vegetables.

Carotenoids

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta found that certain carotenoids may protect against the development of type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight, by eating a diet that limits calories and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Nutritional benefits in fruits and vegetables are never exactly a standard amount. They do vary with season, climate, soil and growing conditions. But there is nothing to beat them!

My list of common fruits: Apple Apricot Banana Cantaloupe Cherry Fruit Date Palm Australian Native Citrus, Avocado, Carissa, Carob, Cattleya Guava, Ceriman, Cherry of the Rio Grande, Citron, Clementine, Cordia, Crabapple, Green Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew Melon, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Mandarin, Mango, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plantain, Plum, Pomelo, Purple Grape, Tangarine, Watermelon ( more to come!)