Which Fruits Are the Healthiest? - GoodRx (2024)

Most people know that eating fruit is good for them. But sometimes fruit gets a bad rap — especially with diets that emphasize low sugar intake. So you may have heard that the sugar in fruit makes it a less healthy option.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the healthiest fruits to include in your diet. We’ll explore how the natural sugars in fruit are different from artificial sugars, which fruit is best for your health, and how to get the maximum benefit from the fruit you eat.

The healthiest fruits and their benefits

Since all fruits provide a variety of health benefits, there may not be a clear winner in the category of “best fruit.” Some of the fruits with the most reported health benefits may simply be the most studied. And even though these fruits have proven health benefits, the best fruits for you may be based on your individual health goals.

Still, if you’re looking for fruits that have stood up to the rigors of science, here are the top seven contenders.

1. Lemons

Turning lemons into lemonade can do more than just boost your spirits. In a 2014 study looking at the most nutrient-dense fruit, lemons came out on top with 17 nutrients. Lemons (or lemon juice) have been found to help:

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve your immune system

• Help prevent kidney stones

But keep in mind: If you want to get the full benefits of lemons, you’re better off keeping the pulp in the lemon juice.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are the special pigments that give them their rich color. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies show that blueberries reduce the risk of:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Depression

They may also help protect your brain from the effects of aging.

3. Apples

It turns out that an apple a day really can help keep the doctor away. Apples are another “super fruit” with wide-ranging health effects. This includes a protective effect against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and asthma.

4. Oranges

One orange provides the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. But that’s not all. Citrus fruits, including oranges, also contain flavanones. These can help improve cognitive performance and keep the heart healthy.

5. Cherries

Like blueberries, cherries contain anthocyanins. Studies show that their antioxidant powers have health benefits, including a lower risk of depression. Tart cherry in particular has also been linked to:

• Lower inflammation

• Reduced exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes

• Better sleep due to its melatonin (sleep hormone) content

6. Pomegranates

Their tiny seeds pack a big punch. Studies show that pomegranates can reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, among other benefits. Pomegranates are also rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

While animal studies have shown that pomegranate juice can help treat chronic inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), more studies are needed to fully understand its potential health benefits for humans.

7. Grapefruits

Grapefruit is a powerhouse because it’s a fruit with a low glycemic index and low calories. And it’s packed with furanocoumarins — a compound that fights cancer and promotes bone health.

Is all fruit healthy?

Yes. Studies show fruit has a wide variety of health benefits — from reducing the risk of heart disease and helping with weight management to lowering the risk of depression.

Some of the things that make fruits healthy include:

• Low salt content

• No harmful fats or added sugar

• High fiber content

• Prebiotics and essential nutrients the body needs

• Vitamins such as vitamin C, potassium, and folate

• Phytochemicals, or naturally occurring compounds in plants that often have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health properties

And the experts agree, too. The FDA updated its definition of “healthy” and focused on nutrient-rich foods. Under their definition, all whole fruits qualify as healthy.

Is the sugar in fruit good for you?

The sugar in fruit is not unhealthy like added sugars. Fruits contain natural sugar that comes in the form of fructose and/or glucose. These natural sugars are different from the artificial sugars that are added to processed foods.

Natural sugars do not cause your blood sugar to spike as rapidly as artificial sugars. Fruits also contain fiber, which slows digestion and helps the body process the sugar in a healthy way.

What makes certain fruits ‘healthier’ than others?

Even though all fruits are healthy, some may have more health benefits than others. But, depending on your specific health goals, there are many ways to look at what makes a fruit “healthy.”

Here are some ways to define the healthiest fruits:

• Nutrient density: This refers to how many nutrients (especially vitamins and minerals) a fruit contains. Citrus fruits, for example, are especially rich in vitamin C.

• Glycemic index: This measures how quickly a food increases your blood sugar. This is most relevant for people with diabetes or people with a higher risk of diabetes who may want to reach for fruits with a low glycemic index.

• Calories: While fruits are generally a low-calorie food, some have more calories than others. This might be helpful to consider for people who are trying to lose or gain weight.

• Specific nutrients: Researchers are learning more and more about the unique nutrients of different fruits — such as anthocyanins in blueberries — and how those nutrients provide specific health benefits.

Which fruits are best for weight loss?

Some people who are focused on weight loss prefer to eat fruit that helps them feel full while reducing calorie intake. Examples of low-calorie fruits include:

• Cantaloupe

• Peaches

• Watermelon

• Berries

• Papaya

• Grapefruit

Which fruits are best for people with diabetes?

People with diabetes may benefit from fruits that are lowest on the glycemic index. Those include:

• Blackberries

• Apples

• Grapefruit

• Oranges

• Cherries

• Strawberries

Should I avoid certain fruit if I’m taking medication?

If you’re taking medication, you should ask your healthcare provider about possible interactions with food. In particular, grapefruit (and grapefruit juice) is known to interact with multiple types of medications.

How does nutritional value change between forms of fruit?

Many people think fresh is best. But there are a lot of ways to get the health benefits from fruit:

• Frozen fruit has all the same benefits as fresh fruit. In some cases, it may even preserve the nutrients better than fresh fruit.

• Canned and preserved fruit has the same nutritional value as well. Just be sure to avoid products with added sugar.

• Freeze-dried fruit loses some of the water-soluble nutrients. But it keeps about 90% of the nutrients.

• Dried (dehydrated) fruit also keeps most of the nutrients. But watch out for added sugar — especially in fruit like cranberries, mangos, and pineapples.

• Fruit juice: Most of the fiber is lost in juice, so you’ll be missing out on those digestive benefits. But, if you stick with 100% fruit juice, you’ll still get a good amount of nutrition. That said, too much juice — even juices without added sugar — can still cause bigger spikes in your blood sugar.