Fruits are good source of vitamins and minerals.Vitamins: highlight the content of vitamin C (citrus, tropical fruit, melon, strawberries and blackcurrants) and provitamin A (apricots, cherries, melon and peach ...), both with antioxidant. To a lesser extent, there are other B vitamins water soluble, biotin and pantothenic acid (apricots, citrus, figs ...). In general, are richer in vitamins colored varieties, the fruits of summer and in the sun.Minerals: abundant in fruits potassium (necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses and normal muscle activity, contributes to the balance of water inside and outside the cell). They are rich in potassium, bananas, kiwi, nectarines, persimmons, melons, red grapes, cherries, apricots, plums, fresh coconut, avocado, pineapple, custard apple and papaya. They also provide magnesium (related to bowel function, nerves and muscles, is part of bones and teeth, improves immunity and resistance to degenerative diseases, has a mild laxative and is anti stress).Other non-nutritious but also importantFiber: contributing part of the fruits are pectins, one type of water-soluble fiber which plays a fundamental role in the consistency of the fruit and also has beneficial effects to our health.
The fresh fruit fiber is in a proportion between 0.7% and 4.7%.Organic acids: (0.5% - 6%) influencing the flavor and aroma of the fruit. Citric acid (citrus, strawberries, pears ...), enhances the action of vitamin C and has a disinfectant action alcalinizadora urine. Other organic acids are malic fruits (apples, cherries, plums, apricots) and salicylic (strawberries and raspberries), the latter of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory action.Phytochemicals (colorings, flavorings and phenolic compounds): despite being present in very low concentrations, strongly influence the acceptance and appetite for fruits, and many of them are also antioxidants that help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases , cardiovascular and even cancer.