All fruit is good fruit, but these 10 tropical gems are particularly good for your health.

From the more-familiar papaya to the lesser known mangosteen, these fruits provide a plethora of health benefits.

ACAI

Why it’s good for you: This powerful purple berry from the Brazilian Amazon is considered one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Not only are acai berries packed with a plethora of healthy antioxidants, essential amino acids, and heart-healthy fats and phytosterols, they also contain a potent amount of antocianine, a substance that helps the body fight toxic substances and helps lower cholesterol.Where to find it: It’s available in the form of juice, pulps, and powders from companies like Amazon Thunder (www.amazonthunder.com).

Mangosteen

Why it’s good for you: This exotic fruit native to Southeast Asia is praised for it’s naturally occurring xanthones, chemical substances that may possess potent antioxidant properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine activities. Where to find it: Try the tasty mangosteen juice from a fruit puree from MangoXan (www.purefruittechnologies.com).

Noni

Why it’s good for you: Found in the South Pacific region, this tropical fruit has been used for health for thousands of years and is best known for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Where to find it: Pick up a bottle of juice from Tahitian Noni (www.tahitiannoni.com) or Noni Maui (www.nonimaui.com).

Guava

Why it’s good for you: This vitamin-rich tropical fruit is loaded with antioxidants including cancer-fighting lycopene. Where to find it: Your best bet is to eat the fiber-rich whole fruit; many grocery and health food stores are starting to carry this superstar.

Lychee

Why it’s good for you: Packed with vitamin C, the lychee has been valued for centuries in southern China where it originated nearly 2,000 years ago. Where to find it: Dried lychees (or Lychee nuts), as well as fresh and canned lychees, are available at specialty food stores and Asian food markets.

Tamarind

Why it’s good for you: Also known as the Indian date, this tropical gem native to eastern Africa has long been admired for its ability to relieve digestion problems. Where to find it: The large fruit is available in Indian stores worldwide. It’s also sold as a candy (Pulparindo for example), as well as dried, and in a concentrate and paste form for use in recipes.

Pomegranate

Why it’s good for you: This Mediterranean fruit is chock-full of antioxidants as well as other good-for-you vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Where to find it: Juice from such companies as POM Wonderful (www.pomwonderful.com), are readily available; the fruit is only available in the cooler winter months.

Papaya

Why it’s good for you: Papaya is not only delicious, it also is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients. Where to find it: Once considered quite exotic and difficult to find, papaya can now be found in grocery stores and markets throughout the year.

Passion Fruit

Why it’s good for you: This tropical fruit native to Brazil is loaded with vitamins A and C, and potassium. Where to find it: The fiber-rich fruit is becoming widely available in grocery stores, or try it juiced, like the tasty Fizzy Lizzy Passionfruit (www.fizzylizzy.com).

Star Fruit

Why it’s good for you: Loaded with vitamin C, this tropical treat has been cultivated for hundreds of years throughout Southeast Asia. Where to find it: Now flourishing in the warm climates of Florida and Hawaii, it’s a staple in most mainstream supermarkets.

– H.K.Jones

May/June 2007

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