As a child, you may have been nagged by your mother, who urged you to eat fruit on a daily basis, for health reasons. Well she was not wrong. Fruits can contribute to beautiful, supple skin and if they are not already a part of your diet, strive to fit them in and see the changes in your visage.

1. Apples: The proverb about apples fending off menacing doctors was employed to trick fearful children everywhere into eating apples. As adults, we should be thankful to our parents for swindling us into eating the dreaded fruit, because it contains a host of excellent nutrients and chemicals, all beneficial to our health. A natural source of sugar, the nutrients in apples help to prevent the craving of artificial sugar-cakes, cookies and chocolate.

Apples are rich in anti-oxidants, chemicals which protect against heart disease and high cholesterol. If red apples are your favourite, carry on the good work! Red apples are a huge source of collagen, the protein found everywhere in your body. Apples are also known to increase production of melanin, a compound which helps in the prevention of skin cancer. Hence eating apples will literally build you up, leaving you with rosy red cheeks in the process.

2. Oranges: Equal parts tangy and tasty, oranges are a treasure trove of nutrients, such as the antioxidants Vitamins A and C, cancer-fighting chemicals such as limonoids, cholesterol reducing compounds such as fiber and other excellent nutrients such as potassium, iron, and calcium. Another fruit which helps keep blood sugar level under wraps, oranges are a great snack for those who are diabetic.

The folic acid and citric acid compounds present in this vibrant ball of goodness work wonders for your body: folic acid helps reduce wrinkles, ensuring younger skin, and citric acid works better than your facial cleanse, helping in the prevention of acne and cleansing of pores. Not only do Vitamins A and C provide protection against the sun, but they also prevent skin swelling. So what are you waiting for? Replace your sunscreen with a daily diet of tangy goodness.

3. Strawberry: You must have used a strawberry infused cosmetic, shampoo, or facewash at least once in your life, but how often do you actually eat strawberries? Rid your cabinet of those beauty products, and start eating real strawberries instead! Salicylic acid, a common ingredient in acne medicines, occurs naturally in strawberries, which helps to tighten pores and remove dead skin.

If you are suffering from alopecia, the acids and minerals in strawberries will help in the prevention of hairfall. Rich in vitamin C, strawberries boost the immunity system and strengthen eyesight. Weak bones? Fret not, the manganese content of strawberries will strengthen up your brittle bones.

4. Passionfruit: This purple beauty is home to a pirate’s treasure chest worth of nutrients, all of which aid in improving overall health. Vitamin C and carotene present in the passionfruit boosts the immune system, fending off major illnesses. A rich source of anti-carcinogens, Vitamin A and phenolic compounds found in the fruit protect against certain types of cancer. An excellent source of fibre, passionfruits act as natural laxatives, aiding in digestion.

If you are hooked on a diet of slimming teas and pills, ditch those and go natural instead. If you aspire to grow a head full of thick, shiny hair, then the Vitamin A, copper and potassium content in passionfruit will work its magic and do exactly that. Containing only 97 calories, consume passionfruit if you are trying to lose weight. Its natural sugars and carbs will provide you with ample energy after a strenuous workout, preventing you from craving fake sugary drinks.

5. Banana: Soft and saccharine, this pulpy goodness of a fruit serves as the perfect replacement for your morning energy bar, as its natural sugar charges you up instantly, making sure that you remain adequately pumped up throughout the day. If you’re suffering from hypertension, the high potassium content of bananas will help keep your blood pressure in check.

The banana peel is a glorious warehouse of all sorts of nutrients that’s good for your skin, so refrain from throwing away the peel after you finish eating the banana! Store that stuff, as it can be used to make all sorts of facial masks. Bananas are good enough to replace your go-to moisturizer, as it helps to remove dark spots and fine lines. It’s time to ditch the banana split, and eat the real deal instead.

We hope that was an informative read! If you know of any other fruit which works like magic, do let us know in the comments below!