Power Fruit

The cornucopia of fruity snacks extends beyond the staple selections of watermelon and strawberries. Give some of these wallflowers a chance to dance on your platter of fresh produce:

• Kiwifruit: With more fiber than apples, kiwi also contains twice the vitamin C found in oranges and is an excellent source of phytonutrients known to protect against cell damage. The exotic fruit has blood–thinning properties believed to boost vascular health. Try as a complement to strawberries, topped with yogurt. Or toss into a fruit salad.
• Guava: While tomatoes own the reputation for being rich in lycopene, guavas contain even 20% more of the antioxidant, which has been found to inhibit malignant prostate and breast tumor growth. Recent studies even suggest this potassium–dense fruit, which is also high in vitamin C, can lower bad cholesterol (LDL), blood pressure, and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol (HDL).
• Cherries: Certainly more common than guava or kiwi, cherries might surprise you. They aren’t heavy on calories, despite their sweet flavor. And they’ve been found to contain anti–inflammatory properties that can work as well as ibuprofen in reducing pain. High in ellagic acid and quercetin, compounds that fight tumor growth, cherries also boost immune response (thanks to antimicrobial nutrients). Enjoy fresh cherries while they’re in season and frozen ones the rest of the year.