While the consumption of fruits, on the whole, is generally regarded as a health-enhancing practice, not all fruits are “created equal,” so to speak… and while various interest groups have attached their own nutritional ratings to what they regard as “the world’s healthiest fruits,” the line-up of the ‘‘heavy hitters’ is, in large measure, near identical and the ‘most healthy’ fruits consistently bear familiar names.
The Stabroek Business’ research on the subject which took it to five research entities, not only discovered that on the whole, there is a widespread agreement amongst researchers as to which fruit are on the global nutrition leader board but also that on the whole, Guyana grows, eats, and in many instances, consumes, more than half of the fruit globally regarded as world-beaters in terms of their nutritional content.
1. Grapefruit
The Stabroek Business’ inquiry into the ‘top twenty’ fruit ratings published by five sites reveals that in each instance, Grapefruit is rated as the “healthiest fruit on the planet.” The published profile says that “besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, it is known for its ability to aid weight loss and reduce insulin resistance as well as reduced cholesterol levels, and kidney stone prevention.”
2. Pineapple
Widely rated at number two amongst the world’s ‘champion fruits’ Pineapple is described in one of our fruit research profiles as a “nutritional superstar.” Pineapple is also said to contain bromelain, a mix of enzymes known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to digest protein. Bromelain, the profile says, may help protect against cancer and tumour growth.
3. Avocado
Avocado, a national favourite, is ranked at three on several of the global ‘leader boards’. Its profile says that it comprises “mainly healthy fats” including oleic acid which is “linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health” as well as potassium. Adequate potassium, its profile says, is linked to “reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke.”
4. Pomegranate
Ranked at sixth on the global healthy fruit leader board, the pomegranate, while it cannot be said to be one of Guyana’s ‘front line’ fruits, is sometimes available on fruit and vegetable stalls in municipal markets. Its reputation revolves around its anti-oxidant levels, said to be three times higher than those of green tea and red wine. Studies have also shown that pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of cancer.
5. Mango
Unquestionably Guyana’ most abundant and widely available fruit, Mango is ranked seventh amongst the world’s most popular fruit. Mangoes are known to be an excellent source of both vitamin C as well as soluble fibre. Additionally, they are known to possess formidable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of disease. Plant compounds in mangoes are also believed to help protect against diabetes.
10. Lemons
The first thing that should be said about lemons is that while it has always been a widely cultivated and popular fruit in Guyana, its popularity literally went ‘through the roof’ when it came to be associated with helping to fend off the dreaded coronavirus pandemic. While it is officially ranked tenth amongst fruits, globally, there is little doubt that its popularity over the last year to eighteen months has risen considerably.
Lemons are known for their high vitamin C content and are believed to be helpful in promoting heart health on account of their potential to lower blood lipids.
Researchers have also proposed that the plant compounds in lemons can help prevent weight gain and treat kidney stones.
Banana, watermelon, orange, guava, papaya and cherries – fruits grown and widely eaten in Guyana – are also numbered amongst the top twenty rated fruits in the world.
