Lowest Calorie Fruits

Nutrition experts believe that eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables greatly reduces the risk for heart disease. Incorporating more fruits into your diet is a great way to modify your diet in a healthy way. Not all fruits are created equally, meaning some are high in sugar and high in calories. Below is a guide for choosing and enjoying some of the tastiest, but lowest calorie fruits on the market.

Pineapple

Pineapple is loaded with enzymes and antioxidant properties that help fight against heart disease, inflammation of the body and repair in the regeneration of tissues and cell growth. Pineapple juice is known for its enzyme bromelain. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and digestive enzyme. Apart from all of its health benefits, pineapple is one of the sweetest and juiciest fruits around and also has one of the lowest calorie counts. One large pineapple contains under 450 calories. One serving, around 8 ounces, contains 109 calories. You can incorporate pineapple easily into your diet by adding 8 ounces of pineapple juice into blended drinks. Try combining 8 ounces of strawberries with 8 ounces of pineapple and a 8 ounces of a milk alternative for a delicious and healthy pineapple smoothie.

Grapefruit

When comparing fruits to vegetables, fruits often contain a significantly higher calorie count. Grapefruit however, is not one of them. One large grapefruit contains under 80 calories, a half of a grapefruit provides you with only 37 calories. Grapefruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain good source of dietary fibre, potassium, and vitamin B1. For a healthy breakfast substitute, eat one full grapefruit and add a dash of sugar to taste. You will fire up your metabolism and improve your stamina for the whole day.

Tangerines

Although tangerines are harder to find when not in season, they have one of the lowest calorie counts in the fruit family. One small tangerine contains a little less than 40 calories and is loaded with vitamin C. Tangerines are can easily be integrated into your diet by adding as a garnish to salads or enjoying as a quick pick-me-up afternoon snack.

Cranberries

At just 45 calories for one cup, cranberries make the list for being one of the healthiest least caloric fruits. Cranberries contain all sorts of health promoting properties. One of the most notable health benefits of cranberries is that it can prevent bacteria build-up in the lining of the urinary tract. This berry also contains high levels of anti-cancer properties. Just a handful of cranberries a day can improve your health and overall well-being. Try adding to cold salads or purchase in juice form from your natural grocery store. Tip: if you opt to purchase cranberry juice, make sure it is 100% organic. Some cranberry fruit juices contain less than 25% of cranberry content and are loaded with artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup.

Apricots

Apricots are packed with potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene. For every 100 grams, apricots contain a little less than 50 calories. Apricots are mighty superfoods that are said to contain anti-cancer properties and nutrients that help prevent against  heart disease. Apricots can be enjoyed whole or dried. Dried apricots can be added to cold salads or as used as a tangy topping for certain deserts.

Cherries

Cherries are an easy and nutritious snack that can curb sweet-tooths and afternoon cravings. Like apricots, cherries they are also rich in anti-cancer fighting properties. Cherries are also said to aid in preventing inflammation of the tissues and diseases such as arthritis and gout. 155 grams of cherries, or one cup, contains around 77 calories. To curb your mid-day munch attack, try carrying around a bag of cherries.

Strawberries

At around 50 calories for every 100 grams, strawberries are one of the sweetest and most delicious low-calorie fruits. They contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus and are jam-packed with potassium. You can easily integrate them into your diet by mixing blending with other fruits such as bananas or pineapples and making a refreshing smoothie. For blended drinks, purchase a bag of frozen organic strawberries at your natural grocery store. Substitute one smoothie a day in place of a main meal and after a few short months you may notice your health increase and may even drop a few sizes on your waistline.