Tropical fruits are some of the most interesting treats from Mother Nature. Their unique looks can definitely make a lot of heads turn towards their direction. Many of them can really excite the taste buds too.
Did you know that a lot of tropical fruits can impress with their nutritional content? With their fascinating tastes and loads of health-giving nutrients, it’s no wonder why a lot of them make for wonderful ingredients for your smoothies. Whether served as they are or in the form of creamy and refreshing beverages, adding them to your diet is certainly a must!
Continue reading to know some of the healthiest tropical fruits you should start serving on the table. Adults will appreciate them for the vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant they bring, and kids will love them for their colors and tastes.
Avocados
Serve them sliced or add them to smoothies. No matter what you do, the fact remains that avocados are some of the most impressive fruits on the planet. These tropical beauties are excellent sources of healthy fats. Experts say that they contain more potassium than bananas, making them very good for your heart. Avocados are also known to ward off inflammation.
Prickly Pears
Also known as cactus pears, these avocado-shaped fruits will definitely grab your attention because of their appearance. Those who have already tasted prickly pears say that they’re like a cross between lemons and watermelons. These tropical goodies are loaded with magnesium, a mineral necessary for healthy nerves, bones and teeth.
Papayas
If you find the taste of papayas heavenly, you are certainly not alone. The fact is Christopher Columbus dubbed them as “fruits of the angels” the moment he ran into these tropical fruits. Papayas are excellent sources of vitamins A and C. Experts say that these yellow-orange beauties are also very good at fighting off inflammation and deadly cancer.
Coconuts
You may consider them as fruits, seeds or nuts — all are certainly correct. Coconuts contain electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. It’s for this reason why coconut water is regarded by many fitness experts as way better than any sports or energy drink. You may add dried and shredded coconut meat to a variety of baked treats.
Longans
Many fanatics of tropical fruits consider longans as little versions of lychees. So if you adore the unmistakable taste of lychees, you will also certainly love the unique flavor of these fruits native to southern China. Longans contain good amounts of vitamin C necessary for healthier and younger-looking skin, as well as stronger immune system.
Star Fruits
Cut them crosswise and the reason why these tropical treats are called that way becomes so apparent. It’s easy to love the unique flavor of star fruits because they resemble the combined tastes of apples and plums. Also known as “carambola” in some parts of the planet, these beautifully-shaped fruits are packed with vitamin C and fiber.
Mangoes
You may serve mangoes sliced. You may also turn them into smoothies. Regardless of your pick, mangoes provide you with lots of vitamin C. Their golden-yellow color is a clear sign that they also contain vitamin A necessary for healthy eyes and sharp vision. Experts say that these sweet gems also contain some B-vitamins and even omega-3 fatty acids.
Mangosteen
Don’t let its name fool you because a mangosteen doesn’t look and taste anything like a mango. This tropical fruit with very thick reddish-brown skin and white and juicy segmented flesh will surely delight your taste buds and the health-conscious in you. Certain compounds in mangosteen are said to be very good at killing off cancer cells.
Plantains
Because they’re members of the banana family, it’s no wonder why plantains look so familiar. What makes these elongated tropical treasures different from bananas is the amount of health-giving nutrients they pack. According to the experts, plantains contain more potassium and vitamins A and C than those good old bananas.
Kumquats
You may consider kumquats as miniaturized oranges. Well, these tiny tropical beauties are also packed with lots of vitamin C just like their much bigger counterparts. This means that you should not overlook their ability to bolster your immune system! Once native to China, kumquats are now also being grown in the US and many other parts of the planet.
