9 Fruits You Should Eat Every Week, According To A Dietitian

Experts prove eating these fruits on a weekly basis can benefit your body in more ways than one.

Did you know research published in 2018 in the American Society for Microbiology’s journal mSystemsshows that eating up to 30 different kinds of plants in a week can positively benefit your gut microbiome? Having a Healthy gut

can improve heart health, boost immunity and even benefit mental health. Eating more fruit is an easy way to increase the number of plants you’re eating in a week to keep your gut bacteria happy—and these 10 fruits pack in a plethora of health benefits with every bite.

From increasing your fiber count to boosting your body with crucial vitamins and antioxidants, here are the fruits recommended to consume every week, backed by experts and research.

1. Blueberries

“Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse,” says Lon Ben Asher, a nutritionist at Pritikin Longevity Center. “They contain anthocyanins, which are phytochemical flavonoids that give them a blue/purple color and act as antioxidants that kill free radicals.”

Along with the antioxidants reducing inflammation in the body, blueberries are also rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Blueberries are also a rich source of soluble fiber, which is “important in reducing cardiovascular disease and helping to blunt the glucose spike in people with blood sugar compromise,” says Ben Asher.

2. Apples

“Apples have many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been shown to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer due to the polyphenolic compounds,” says Ben-Asher. “[They’re] also rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps support gastrointestinal health.”

Although these fibers are different (soluble fiber absorbs water and creates a gel that moves food quickly through your digestive tract, while insoluble fiber helps to bulk up stool and makes it easier to go to the bathroom), apples contain both, helping you feel full and satiated.

3. Oranges

While oranges are popularly known for being higher in vitamin C, they also provide a unique set of nutrients, including potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin E and numerous B vitamins. Vitamin C helps to build collagen, which delays skin aging and keeps you looking young. Orange pulp also has a high polyphenol count, which helps to protect your cells from damage.

4. Prunes

Dried fruits, especially prunes, can also be a beneficial source of nutrients in your diet, Prunes are known to help with digestion thanks to their high fiber content, helping to bulk stool and making it easier to go to the bathroom. Prunes also contain a high amount of vitamin K, which helps to develop certain proteins needed for blood clotting and bone building; studies show eating prunes helps with preventing or delaying bine loss.

5. Raspberries

Of all fruits, raspberries are known for having one of the highest amounts of fiber, containing 8 grams per cup, which is 32% of your Daily Value. Getting a sufficient amount of fiber in your diet is important for weight management, reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes, keeping your gut microbiome healthy and keeping your blood sugar levels steady. Raspberries are also known for being a rich source of magnesium, which helps regulate numerous bodily functions such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control and blood pressure, per the National institutes of Health.

6. Blackberries

Blackberries are equally as high in fiber as raspberries, with almost 8 grams per cup, per the USDA. However, blackberries are known for being a richer source of antioxidants, manganese, copper, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin K. Similar to blueberries, blackberries also contain anthocyanins.

7. Bananas

“Bananas are high in dietary fiber, which helps keep food in your stomach longer, reducing hunger and keeping you satiated, thus contributing to better weight management and reduced risk of obesity,” said Ben Asher. “[They are] also very high in potassium, which is an electrolyte required by the body and has been shown to be a major factor in blood pressure control and reduced risk of stroke when [paired with a] reduced sodium intake.”

8. Watermelon

Along with having a high amount of lycopene, watermelon is considered one of the most hydrating fruits—92% of watermelon flesh is water. While this alone is a great reason to enjoy this fruit (especially during the hot summer months), eating watermelon can also help relieve sore muscles after exercise, due to its potassium content. Moreover, watermelon is one of the best fruits to support healthy blood pressure.D

9. Avocados

“Avocados are rich in fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E and K, which help support healthy skin, hair, nails and cell membrane permeability, as well as water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, and many B vitamins that help support the immune system and ocular health,” says Ben Asher. “They are also great sources of healthy, polyunsaturated omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats, which are used to replace saturated fats, have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and improve blood sugar control.”