The 16 Healthiest Fruits to Eat According to Nutritionists

Discover the top fruits to boost your health, loaded with vitamins, fiber, and powerful antioxidants.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Discover the top fruits to boost your health, loaded with vitamins, fiber, and powerful antioxidants.

The 16 Healthiest Fruits to Eat, According to Nutritionists

Fruits are often celebrated as “nature’s candy”—full of flavor and packed with nutrients our bodies love. Whether aiming to support heart health, ensure glowing skin, or simply satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthy way, certain fruits stand out for their impressive combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here, nutrition experts reveal sixteen of the healthiest fruits you can add to your shopping cart, highlighting key benefits and how best to enjoy each bite.

Table of the 16 Healthiest Fruits

Fruit	Key Benefits	Unique Nutrients
Pomegranate	Antioxidant power, heart health	Polyphenols
Banana	Gut health, energy, potassium	Potassium, resistant starch
Prune	Bone & digestive health	Vitamin K, copper, fiber
Ackee	Healthy fats, fiber, iodine	Iodine
Watermelon	Hydration, antioxidants	Lycopene, carotenoids
Mango	Immunity, eye health	Vitamin C, zeaxanthin
Cherries	Antioxidant-rich, inflammation	Anthocyanins
Strawberries	Vitamin C, heart health	Anthocyanins
Blueberries	Cognitive health, antioxidants	Flavonoids
Pineapple	Digestion, immunity	Bromelain, vitamin C
Avocado	Healthy fats, fiber, heart health	Monounsaturated fats
Apples	Gut health, satiety	Pectin, fiber
Oranges	Immunity, hydration	Vitamin C
Pear	Digestive health, fiber	Soluble fiber
Raspberries	Fiber, blood sugar regulation	High fiber, anthocyanins
Grapefruit	Vitamin C, metabolism	Naringenin

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is revered for its potent antioxidant properties, mainly due to its high polyphenol content. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can cause cellular damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer. Pomegranates have also been shown to help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Add pomegranate seeds to yogurt or oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast.
Drink unsweetened pomegranate juice as a refreshing, antioxidant-rich beverage.

Bananas

Bananas are often misunderstood for their sugar content, but pack a wealth of nutrition. They’re a vital source of potassium and magnesium, essential for muscle and nerve function. Additionally, bananas are rich in resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health and can help balance blood sugar.

Enjoy bananas as a grab-and-go snack.
Add sliced bananas to smoothies or cereal for extra creaminess and sweetness.
Mash ripe bananas into pancakes or muffin batter to reduce added sugar.

Prunes

Prunes, or dried plums, are highly concentrated sources of fiber, vitamin K, and copper. Known for their digestive benefits, prunes can support regularity and are linked to improved bone health. Some studies support daily prune consumption for postmenopausal women to help maintain bone density.

Snack on prunes solo or mix them into trail mixes.
Add chopped prunes to baked goods for a natural sweetness boost.

Ackee

The ackee fruit is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and iodine. However, only ripe ackee should be consumed, as the unripe form contains toxins. Research suggests that the iodine in ackee may be especially valuable for women with fertility challenges, though more research is needed.

Enjoy cooked ackee in both savory and traditional Caribbean dishes, like Ackee and Saltfish.
Avoid raw or improperly prepared ackee to prevent toxicity.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a favorite for its high water content—about 92%—making it excellent for hydration. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C and is especially rich in antioxidants like lycopene and cucurbitacin E, which may help combat inflammation and cell damage.

Eat chilled watermelon as a hydrating snack on hot days.
Blend and freeze to make watermelon granita or ice pops.
Pair fresh watermelon slices with lime juice and mint for a refreshing salad.

Mango

Sometimes called the “king of fruits” in parts of the world, mango is loaded with vitamins C and A, which are important for immune function and eye health. Mangoes also contain zeaxanthin and lutein, carotenoids with potential protective benefits for vision.

Add diced mango to salsas or salads.
Blend frozen mango with yogurt for a refreshing smoothie.
Try mango with chili powder for a sweet and spicy snack.

Cherries

Cherries, especially tart varieties, are packed with anthocyanins—antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery after exercise. Some research links regular cherry consumption to improved sleep due to naturally occurring melatonin.

Snack on fresh cherries or stir into yogurt.
Use tart cherry juice as a recovery drink after strenuous activity.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious way to increase your vitamin C intake, supporting immunity, skin health, and heart function. Their high water and fiber content makes them a filling, low-calorie choice, and their antioxidants can help protect blood vessels from damage.

Add sliced strawberries to cereal, salads, or desserts.
Blend strawberries into smoothies or freeze for homemade popsicles.

Blueberries

Blueberries are widely praised for cognitive benefits and memory support, thanks to high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins. They offer a significant concentration of antioxidants relative to their calorie content, which may help slow cellular aging.

Stir blueberries into overnight oats or yogurt.
Use frozen blueberries in smoothies, sauces, or baked goods.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical favorite providing an excellent boost of vitamin C. Uniquely, it also contains bromelain, an enzyme that supports protein digestion and may help curb inflammation.

Enjoy fresh pineapple as a snack or dessert.
Add pineapple to grilled kebabs or stir-fries for sweetness and tang.
Use pineapple in smoothies for tropical flair.

Avocado

Avocado stands out for a fruit because of its high content of monounsaturated fats, which are excellent for heart health. It’s also loaded with fiber, magnesium, and potassium, and helps increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from other foods.

Mash avocado into toast or blend into creamy smoothies.
Add slices to salads or grain bowls for healthy fat.
Use avocado as a base for dressings, dips, or spreads.

Apples

Apples are dependable and easily portable, offering a good mix of fiber and vitamin C. The soluble fiber pectin in apples helps promote gut bacteria growth, supporting digestive health and regularity.

Eat apples raw or sliced with nut butter.
Add chopped apples to salads, oatmeal, or baked goods.

Oranges

Oranges symbolize citrus health benefits, providing a hefty dose of vitamin C as well as potassium, folate, and antioxidants. They help with immunity, hydration, and may contribute to healthy skin and blood pressure regulation.

Eat oranges whole, or peel and add to salads.
Use fresh orange juice in marinades or vinaigrettes.

Pear

Pears are a rich source of soluble fiber that can support digestive health and modulate blood sugar levels. Their subtle sweetness and soft texture make them appealing at any meal.

Slice pears into salads or eat whole as a snack.
Poach pears with spices for a healthy dessert.

Raspberries

Raspberries stand out for being remarkably high in dietary fiber—more per cup than almost any other fruit—making them excellent for digestive health and satiety. Their rich anthocyanin and vitamin C content also helps protect against oxidative stress.

Add raspberries to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls.
Enjoy them fresh or frozen for convenience and nutrition.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is filled with vitamin C, hydration, and a unique antioxidant called naringenin, which may support metabolism and fat breakdown. Grapefruit has a tangy flavor and is low in calories, but it can interact with some medications, so check with your doctor if in doubt.

Eat grapefruit halves for breakfast or add segments to salads.
Blend fresh grapefruit juice with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing drink.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get enough vitamins and minerals by eating fruit alone?

A: Fruits offer a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, but a balanced diet that includes vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is necessary to meet all your nutritional needs.

Q: Are dried fruits as healthy as fresh fruits?

A: Dried fruits are concentrated in nutrients and fiber, but also calories and sugar. Choose options without added sugars and watch portion sizes for the best benefits.

Q: Is the sugar in fruit bad for me?

A: The natural sugars in whole fruits come with fiber and a host of protective plant compounds, making them a healthy part of most diets. However, fruit juices and processed fruit snacks lack this vital fiber and can spike blood sugars, so opt for whole fruits whenever possible.

Q: What are the best fruits for people looking to manage their weight?

A: Fruits with high fiber and water content—like apples, pears, berries, and watermelon—can increase feelings of fullness and support healthy weight management when included as part of a balanced diet.

Q: How can I add more fruit to my daily routine?

A: Add fruit to cereals, yogurt, salads, and smoothies; keep fresh or frozen fruit handy for snacks; and experiment with adding fresh fruit to salsas and savory dishes to boost nutrition and flavor.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete