With summer just around the corner, a juicy and fresh bite into a tropical fruit can offer a refreshing and healthy way to cool off or snack. Although there are actually hundreds of fruit species to choose from, these five fruits offer a refreshing taste and high nutrient density.
The Pineapple
First up is a classic and favorite among many people across the world. Perhaps one of the most iconic tropical fruits around, the pineapple offers a huge punch of vitamin C in every bite. Pineapple also helps aid in the digestion process since it contains bromelain, a chemical responsible for digesting food. One of the best ways to enjoy pineapple flavor is also through syrups. Pineapple syrup offers a sweet and tangy taste just like fresh pineapple. In fact, it’s great for drinks, making your own tropically flavored ice cream, or even putting it in summer salads.
The Mango
Another massively popular tropical fruit is the mango, which is also high in vitamin C, as well as vitamin A. Mangoes are also known to contain cancer-fighting antioxidants that may play a role in helping the body prevent cancerous cells from growing. Mangoes also go quite well with salt, which is a very popular snack in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. The combination of mango and salt not only tastes amazing but it is great at rehydrating the body on hot summer days. Mango leaves are also sometimes steeped as teas in places like Jamaica.
The Coconut
And now the coconut! Perhaps the most iconic of all tropical fruit species, the coconut is visible in many Pacific and tropical dishes from curries to rice dishes and more. Coconut shavings are commonly used in recipes like slow-cooked chicken recipes with a summery vibe. Coconuts are also considered a superfood. That designation is only given to foods that are essentially healthy in every way imaginable. Coconuts contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Coconuts are also well known for being one of the most effective ways to hydrate on a hot day. Coconut milk or water offers a huge dose of critical electrolytes that the body needs in order to remain well hydrated. To top it all off, the flesh of the coconut, the rubbery white part, contains anti-inflammatory properties which may also help prevent heart disease. So, coconut packs a powerful punch in terms of health benefits and is well known for a reason.
The Papaya
Next up is a slightly lesser-known but equally healthy fruit called the papaya. This fruit is most commonly used in Asian countries as a post-meal digestion aid. Papaya contains high amounts of fiber as well as carotenes which have anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya can be prepared in a number of ways from fresh and uncooked pickles to saturated bits in salads. Either way, papaya should be on your list of tropical fruits to eat this summer.
The Avocado
Finally, the mighty avocado! You’ve probably heard of this before, but did you know it’s actually a tropical fruit? Even then, the avocado is widely regarded as one of the healthiest fruits to consume for numerous reasons. Cut an avocado in half and you’ll receive a tightly packed and nutrient-dense experience. With three grams of fiber per forty grams and six grams of healthy fat, the avocado is perhaps one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth.
An avocado also contains a ridiculous amount of vitamins that you’ve likely never considered like vitamins K and B-6, as well as more well-known ones like vitamins C and E. Yet, avocados still have more in store, with magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and many more nutrients not named here. It almost seems unfair just how many nutrients avocados come with.
If that weren’t enough, avocados also help keep the heart healthy with beta-sitosterol that regulates cholesterol levels. Even with all of that in mind, avocados are well studied and shown to offer other health benefits like vision support, cancer prevention, lower risk of depression, bone density support, protection from some chronic diseases, and even more. With all of that said, tropical fruits pack huge amounts of nutrients and are great for your body’s overall health, so consider adding some of these to your diet this summer.
