(02-12-12) The health benefits of eating fall fruits

by Catrell Cooney

(NaturalNews) The fall season brings, not only cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors, but also an abundance of nutrient dense fruits. Consuming produce when it's ripe and in season yields the best nutritional value. A few of the superfood fruits of fall include apples, cranberries, kumquats, persimmons, and starfruit.
Apples
Apples are the perfect grab and go fruit. They make a great addition to any lunch box, book bag, briefcase, or purse. Did you know that one serving of apple provides a quarter of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C? Apples are also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and are a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamin. With over 7,500 varieties grown worldwide, you are sure to find one that fits your taste buds.
Cranberries
Typically found on any holiday table as a side dish, these tart, sometimes overlooked, nutrient dense powerhouses are highly nutritious. They are rich in phytochemicals which studies have been shown may help guard against certain types of cancer, aging, inflammation, and bacterial infections. Fresh cranberries have the most antioxidants and are readily available during the holiday season from October until late December. Dried versions are also equally beneficial. However, liquid versions found in juices and cocktails are less nutritious.
Kumquats
They are sometimes called "the little gold gem of the citrus family," and look like mini oval shaped oranges. Behind their sweet orange peel, hides a tart center. Many times they are used as a garnish. However, they can be eaten fresh including peel and can also be found pickled or in preserves. Kumquats are a good source of vitamins A and C plus dietary fiber.
Persimmons
They are native to China, but now can be found around the world. These sweet pumpkin colored fruits are packed with nutrients that promote a healthy heart and vision plus they encourage a vibrant immune system through the fall and winter months. Persimmons can be eaten fresh, dried, cooked and are delicious addition to ice cream.
Starfruit
Native to India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, starfruit can now be found in other parts of the world including the United States. There are two different varieties one sweet and the other sour or tart. Not only is the starfruit beautiful to look at, but it is high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Some of the health benefits associated with this antioxidant-rich fruit are lowered cholesterol, alleviating symptoms of constipation, plus it has anti-microbial properties which have shown promising results in treating certain types of infections associated with staph, salmonella, and even e coli.

Don't let this fall season pass you by without trying one of these incredibly nutritious and equally delicious fall superfoods. It's the perfect time of year to involve the entire family in healthy eating options. Try a new seasonal recipe or visit a local orchard to pick your own apples. Promoting heart and vision health, boosting the immune system, protection against certain types of cancer are a few of the many health benefits that may come from eating produce which includes the fruits of fall.

Sources for this article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/apple-fruit.html
http://www.kumquatgrowers.com
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/persimmon-fruit.html
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cranberries.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/star-fruit-facts.html

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