Each week a nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical
Center provides a guest post. This week, Rachel Ernzen weighs in
on fruit. Antioxidants naturally found in fruits are gaining
popularity as "power foods" and can be found added to a variety
of products, such as single-serving beverages, over-the-counter
supplements and meal-replacement bars. The safest form, however,
comes from eating the fruit itself. Color me healthy •Orange
fruits like cantaloupes or apricots are good sources of beta
carotene, an important phytochemical for immune function,
vision, skin and bone health. •Green fruits like green apples,
honeydew melon and kiwi contain lutein, valued for its role in
promoting eye health. •"White" fruits like bananas have allicin.
Allicin may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well
as reduce risk for heart disease. •Red fruits like cherries, red
grapes or raspberries contain anti-inflammatory compounds called
anthocyanins. These have been shown to help relieve pain,
including muscle a