|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Healthiest Foods That Grow on a Tree

Some of the healthiest foods that you can eat grow on trees as, being natural sources of nutrition, they are rich in vitamins and minerals and antioxidants that help protect against cell damage as you age. Fruits, including olives and coconuts, are rich in beneficial nutrients and incorporating them into your diet can help protect against chronic disease and make you feel more healthy and energetic. Foods that grow on trees also are free from cholesterol and can be a good source of dietary fiber.

  1. Citrus Fruits

    • Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes, are rich in vitamin C, minerals and dietary fiber. They contain potassium, folate, calcium and magnesium, and their carbohydrate content make them a good source of energy. Citrus fruits are naturally low in calories and contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. Eating these healthy fruits can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    Coconuts

    • Coconuts are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins A and C, and calcium and iron. The coconut is classed as a "functional food" because it possesses healing properties and is used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, burns and influenza, according to the Coconut Research Center. Coconut oil contains no cholesterol and is a healthier choice than cooking with oil derived from animal fats; however, it does contain saturated fats.

    Olives

    • Olives are rich in iron, vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, copper and dietary fiber. They also contain monounsaturated fats that help prevent cell damage. The nutritional compounds in olives have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the severity of asthma and arthritis. According to Mayo Clinic, the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Olives can be eaten on their own or as an accompaniment to salads, pizzas, meat and poultry dishes.

    Deciduous Fruit

    • Deciduous fruits are those that grow on deciduous trees, such as oaks and maples. Apples and pears are deciduous fruits known for their health-giving properties. Pears contain vitamins C and K and copper, which protect against free radicals and promote cardiovascular and colon health. Apples contain phytonutrients, which can help regulate blood sugar, and they are a good source of dietary fiber. Apples and pears contain a fat-soluble fiber called pectin, which has important cardiovascular benefits as it lowers blood fat levels.

Nutrition - Related Articles