It cannot be overestimated how important fruits are for a healthy lifestyle. But even though we all know and try to follow the rules, we still sometimes find it hard to include them in our day-to-day meals. Because of that, we decided to put together some interesting facts that you probably didn’t know about fruits. After reading this, you will know to consume them for their benefits, and not because you keep hearing how important they are.

1. Oranges do not have the level of Vitamin C you think they have

Research has shown that this fruit is not even on the top ten list of foods that can help you enhance the level of vitamin C in your system. Papaya, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and mango play an even more important role in boosting your immune system. The required level of vitamin C for an adult is around 40mg a day. 

2. Any form of fruits is nutritious

You may have heard that frozen fruits are not as nourishing as the fresh ones. But a study undertaken by FDA has demonstrated that any decrease in nutrition from freezing fruits is insignificant. Therefore, you can have them frozen, fresh or even as drinks and you will still get the same benefits. It is important though to remember that if you prefer the juice, make sure to prepare it at home, as the ones in the supermarket only contain 10% fruits. 

3. You can get plenty of fibre from fruits 

You may already consume certain fruits for their level of vitamins, potassium and minerals, but fruits can also help with fibre intake. Apples, blackberries, pears and bananas are very rich in fibres and these can help you keep a low cholesterol level, regulate blood sugar and make you feel fuller for longer. The required level of fibre for an adult is around 18g a day. 

4. Grapefruits can actually affect your medical treatment

Grapefruits are incredibly nutritious and contain a substantial level of vitamin C, A and calcium. However, they also have a dark side with which you should be careful. If you mix this fruit with medical treatment, it will increase the level of that medicine in your blood, bringing a higher risk of side effects or even altering the effect that the medicine has. Thus, if you are on medications, talk to a health professional before consuming grapefruits. A list of pills that should never be combined with grapefruits can be found here.

5. The skin can have the most benefits

On many fruits in our household, such as apples, oranges and pears, a good percentage of the nutritious values are actually located in the skin. This means that if you peel them, you will take off many nutritious benefits. Even more,  the skins also store a lot of fibre and you already know how fibres can help you.

6. Apples give you more energy than other stimulants

It can be hard to convince someone of this, especially if they are really into their coffee or energy drinks, but apples can truly help you in those difficult moments that lack energy and focus. Because of their high level of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, apples contain the perfect mix of nutrition that will help you stay on top of your game for longer.

7. Some fruits can contain toxins

We are all aware that fruits are vital for a genuinely healthy diet. However, there is a small fact that not a lot of people know: fruits contain toxic chemicals. The most widely known toxin is cyanide, which is considered to be poisonous only if consumed in large amounts. Cyanide can be found in fruits that have a pit or core, like cherries, apricots and apples. Therefore, be careful not to go over the edge with the consumption of these fruits.

All this being said, try to boost your well-being by implementing these useful tips in your daily diet. Additionally, if you feel that your system needs a little bit of help in retaining vitamins, calcium or potassium, you can always talk to our doctor or pharmacist about it.