It has been said that fruits are one of the most powerful tools for promoting good health and longevity. Born and raised in Nara, Japan, acclaimed nutritionist and longevity expert Michiko Tomioka recently shared five fruits that are healthy and can help boost the immune system, CNBC reports. From apples to figs, here are five fruits you should consume daily for a healthy body and mind.
orange and lemon
Surely, everyone knows how important Vitamin C is for a healthy body as well as healthy skin. Tomioka says to consume citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes. Apart from their tangy taste, these fruits are rich in potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that help build a strong immune system and help protect cells. Tomioka suggests eating the whole fruit rather than drinking orange juice, as juice may lack fiber. She also recommends using orange and lemon peels, as they contain calcium, thiamine and folate.
Fig
Tomioka suggests that figs are important for a woman’s health. These fruits have flowers inside and are highly nutritious, but are often overlooked. Apart from being rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they also contain ficin, an enzyme that helps with digestive problems. They may also control cholesterol and help with inflammation.
Apple
Perhaps every nutritionist or doctor in the world recommends consuming apples because of their high nutritional value, and Tomioka is no different. Rich in prebiotics and probiotics, apples are rich in polyphenols, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Nutritionists suggest that apples have anti-cancer properties and help with brain function and immunity. Eat it with the peel to get maximum fiber for your gut health.
all types of berries
A favorite snack around the world, Tomioka suggests eating all types of berries for a healthy immune system. From strawberries to blackberries, cranberries or raspberries, you can make smoothies or simply add them to your breakfast bowl. Rich in antioxidants, jamun is high in fiber and vitamins. They have low fat content which helps in improving brain and heart health.
Also Read: Longevity Expert Dr. Peter Attia Reveals His Workout Schedule If short, daily activity is better than intense exercise
persimmons
Persimmon is an edible fruit grown in countries like Japan and China. Tomioka explains that there are two types of this fruit: an astringent, which must be fully ripe, and a non-astringent, which must be eaten before it becomes firm. They are commonly used in Japanese sweets or eaten dried with vegetables. Persimmons are rich in vitamins A and C and loaded with potassium, fiber and polyphenols. Good for eyes and skin, these fruits also help in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
