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Fruits

Nutrients, Plant Compounds, What Research Shows & Safety.

Fruit is food first. Explore each fruit: what is in it (measured by USDA), what research in people has and has not found for health goals, a normal serving, and what to watch for with allergies, medicines and kidney conditions.

Fruits library

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Explore all 41 fruits

Blueberries

Berries and grapes

Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium

Vitamin KManganeseVitamin CFiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (148 g)

What randomized trials and reviews found for blueberries and blueberry powder, mainly on blood vessel function, what they did not show, and food-safety notes.

  • Blood vessel function (flow-mediated dilation)
  • Blood pressure
  • Memory in older adults with mild cognitive decline
  • Memory and thinking in healthy people

More about Blueberries

Fragaria x ananassa, Rubus idaeus, Rubus fruticosus

Vitamin CManganeseFiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup of strawberries, halves (152 g)

What human studies found for strawberries, raspberries and blackberries as foods, with the form studied, the strength of the evidence and what is still unknown.

  • Berries as part of the fruit group
  • Fiber, vitamin C and manganese in the fruit
  • Strawberries and blood vessel function and blood pressure (short term)
  • Strawberries and insulin resistance markers

More about Strawberries, Raspberries & Blackberries

Blackcurrants

Berries and grapes

Ribes nigrum

Vitamin CManganeseCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (112 g)

What blackcurrants contain (USDA values), what trials of the fruit, juice and extract found for blood vessels, thinking and exercise, and safety notes.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Blood vessel function (flow-mediated dilation)
  • Blood pressure and blood fats
  • Thinking and memory

More about Blackcurrants

Mulberries

Berries and grapes

Morus alba

Vitamin CIron

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (140 g)

What mulberries contain, what research says about eating them, how they differ from mulberry leaf products, and the safety points: allergy, medicines and storage.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fruit and vegetable intake and long-term disease risk
  • Iron content
  • Mulberry fruit extract and blood sugar after a meal

More about Mulberries

Gooseberries

Berries and grapes

Ribes uva-crispa

Vitamin CFiberCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (150 g)

What gooseberries contain (USDA values), what research does and does not show, and how they differ from Indian gooseberry (amla) and cape gooseberry.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber and bowel regularity
  • Antioxidant activity (lab)
  • Antiviral activity in cell culture

More about Gooseberries

Grapes

Berries and grapes

Vitis vinifera

CopperVitamin KManganese

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (151 g)

What grapes contain (USDA values), what trials and large cohort studies found, and the safety notes: allergy, choking in young children, medicines and sugar.

  • Grape intake and type 2 diabetes risk
  • Blood sugar and insulin resistance
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol and blood fats

More about Grapes

Citrus spp.

Vitamin CFiberFolate

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sections (180 g) of raw oranges

Oranges, orange juice and other citrus: what trials and cohort reviews found, why hesperidin supplement trials are a separate question, and grapefruit and medicines.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber and everyday nutrition
  • Heart disease and death (eating patterns)
  • Blood vessel function and blood pressure with orange juice

More about Citrus Fruits (overview)

Lemons

Citrus

Citrus limon

Vitamin C

Normal serving (USDA): 1 fruit (2-1/8" dia) (58 g)

Lemons as a food: vitamin C and scurvy, what research says about colds and kidney stones, skin and tooth cautions, and how this differs from supplements.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Vitamin C and iron absorption
  • Colds: catching and duration
  • Fiber in the whole fruit

More about Lemons

Limes

Citrus

Citrus x latifolia, Citrus aurantiifolia

Vitamin C

Normal serving (USDA): 1 fruit (2" dia) (67 g)

Limes as a food: USDA nutrition, vitamin C and scurvy, what the research does and does not show, and safety notes such as sun-sensitive skin reactions.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Vitamin C and the common cold
  • Plant compounds in lime peel and leaf
  • Citrus intake and kidney stones

More about Limes

Oranges

Citrus

Citrus x sinensis

Vitamin CFiberFolate

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sections (180 g)

Oranges as a food: vitamin C and scurvy, what research says about juice, colds and heart health, medicine and potassium cautions, and how this differs from supplements.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Vitamin C and iron absorption
  • Vitamin C, collagen and wound healing
  • Fruit and citrus intake patterns, heart disease and death

More about Oranges

Citrus x paradisi

Vitamin CCopperVitamin A

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup sections, with juice (230 g)

Grapefruit nutrition from USDA, what studies found on weight, blood pressure and cancer risk, and the well-documented way it can change how some medicines work.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Weight loss claims
  • Blood pressure
  • Colds and vitamin C

More about Grapefruit

Citrus reticulata, Citrus unshiu

Vitamin CFiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium (2-1/2 inch dia) (88 g)

Mandarins and tangerines as food: USDA nutrients, what research does and does not show for vitamin C and carotenoids, allergy and medicine notes, and safe handling.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Skin, blood vessels and wound healing (vitamin C role)
  • Colds and vitamin C
  • Fruit and vegetable intake and heart disease or early death

More about Mandarins & Tangerines

Tart Cherries

Stone fruit

Prunus cerasus

CopperVitamin CVitamin A

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, without pits (155 g)

What research found on tart cherries and tart cherry juice for sleep, gout and exercise recovery, with the form studied, strength of evidence, sugar and safety points.

  • Sleep: overview of studies
  • Sleep in older adults with insomnia
  • Sleep in healthy adults and melatonin
  • Gout attacks (observational link)

More about Tart Cherries

Sweet Cherries

Stone fruit

Prunus avium

Vitamin CFiberCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, without pits (154 g)

What is in sweet cherries (USDA values), what research does and does not show for eating them, and the main safety points: allergy, pits, sugar and washing.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fruit intake and long-term health
  • Blood pressure
  • Gout attacks

More about Sweet Cherries

Peaches

Stone fruit

Prunus persica

CopperVitamin C

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium (2-2/3" dia) (150 g)

What is in a peach (USDA values), what research does and does not show for eating peaches, and the main safety points: allergy, pits and washing.

  • Fruit as part of a healthy eating pattern
  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber, potassium and copper in a peach
  • Fruit intake and death risk in type 2 diabetes

More about Peaches

Nectarines

Stone fruit

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

Copper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium (2-1/2" dia) (142 g)

What is in a nectarine (USDA values), how it differs from a peach, what research does and does not show, and the main safety points such as allergy and washing.

  • Fruit as part of a healthy eating pattern
  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber, potassium and copper in a nectarine
  • Antioxidant and plant compounds (lab)

More about Nectarines

Apricots

Stone fruit

Prunus armeniaca

Vitamin AVitamin CCopperFiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (165 g)

What apricots contain, what research says about eating them, and the real safety points: apricot kernels and cyanide, pollen-related allergy, and dried apricots.

  • Vitamin A and vitamin C intake
  • Fruit and vegetable pattern and long-term disease risk
  • Fiber and potassium
  • Carotenoids (orange pigments)

More about Apricots

Apples

Apples and pears

Malus domestica

Fiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium apple, 3 inch diameter (182 g)

What research shows about eating apples: fiber, blood fats, heart and diabetes studies, juice versus whole fruit, pollen allergy and food safety.

  • Fruit intake and heart disease risk
  • Blood cholesterol
  • Fiber in a medium apple
  • Type 2 diabetes risk

More about Apples

Pears

Apples and pears

Pyrus communis

FiberCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium (178 g)

What the sources say about pears: fiber and nutrients from USDA, studies on diabetes risk and heart health, allergy and food-safety notes, and what is still unknown.

  • Fiber and bowel regularity
  • Apple and pear intake and type 2 diabetes risk
  • Heart and metabolic markers in metabolic syndrome
  • Plant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids)

More about Pears

Avocado

Tropical fruit

Persea americana

FiberCopperFolateVitamin KVitamin B6

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (146 g)

Avocado as a food: what small trials and reviews found on cholesterol, blood sugar and eye pigment, what they did not show, and latex-fruit allergy and warfarin cautions.

  • Cholesterol and blood fats
  • Heart attacks and strokes: not shown
  • Blood sugar after a meal
  • Eye pigment and thinking skills

More about Avocado

Bananas

Tropical fruit

Musa x paradisiaca

Vitamin B6ManganeseVitamin CFiberCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 medium banana (7 to 7-7/8 in long), 118 g

What bananas contain (USDA values), what research does and does not show for potassium, gut and exercise, plus allergy and kidney safety notes.

  • Potassium in the diet
  • Potassium intake and blood pressure
  • Fiber and vitamin B6 from bananas
  • Green banana and persistent diarrhoea in young children

More about Bananas

Mango

Tropical fruit

Mangifera indica

Vitamin CCopperFolateVitamin B6

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup pieces (165 g)

What the research shows for mango, a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, plus USDA nutrient values, skin and allergy cautions, sugar content and food safety.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Blood sugar in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Fiber and gut health
  • Blood vessel function

More about Mango

Papaya

Tropical fruit

Carica papaya

Vitamin CFolate

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, 1-inch pieces (145 g)

What papaya (Carica papaya) contains per USDA, what research shows for the fruit versus leaf or fermented products, and allergy, latex and food-safety notes.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Folate and vitamin A from carotenoids
  • Fiber and bowel regularity
  • Gum health (papaya oral care products)

More about Papaya

Pineapple

Tropical fruit

Ananas comosus

Vitamin CManganeseCopperVitamin B6

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, chunks (165 g)

Pineapple nutrition from USDA data, what research says about the fruit and about bromelain, and plain safety notes on allergy, medicines and food safety.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Manganese and copper content
  • Fiber and natural sugars
  • Bromelain and joint pain (knee osteoarthritis)

More about Pineapple

Kiwifruit

Tropical fruit

Actinidia deliciosa

Vitamin CVitamin KCopperFiberVitamin E

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (180 g)

What kiwifruit contains (USDA values), what trials found for constipation, sleep and blood pressure, and the allergy and latex-fruit cautions to know.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Constipation and bowel movements
  • Sleep quality
  • Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

More about Kiwifruit

Guava

Tropical fruit

Psidium guajava

Vitamin CCopperFiberFolatePotassium

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (165 g)

What research shows for guava, a tropical fruit very rich in vitamin C and fiber, with USDA nutrient values, trial results, safety notes and food-safety tips.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Iron status and anemia in children
  • Fiber and potassium in a normal diet
  • Gum inflammation (experimental gingivitis)

More about Guava

Lychee

Tropical fruit

Litchi chinensis

Vitamin CCopperVitamin B6

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup (190 g)

What the sources say about lychee, a juicy tropical fruit: vitamin C and copper, allergy, the link with low blood sugar in India, and what research does not show.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Copper and vitamin B6 from the fruit
  • Fiber and sugars
  • Antioxidant and other reported effects

More about Lychee

Passion Fruit

Tropical fruit

Passiflora edulis

FiberVitamin CCopperIronPotassium

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, pulp with seeds (236 g)

What passion fruit contains (USDA values), what research says about the pulp and the peel extract, and the real safety points: latex-related allergy and natural cyanide compounds.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber intake
  • Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene)
  • Peel extract for knee osteoarthritis pain

More about Passion Fruit

Persimmons

Tropical fruit

Diospyros kaki

ManganeseFiberCopperVitamin AVitamin C

Normal serving (USDA): 1 fruit, 2-1/2 in diameter (168 g)

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) as a food: USDA nutrients, what research does and does not show, and safety notes on tannin bezoars, warfarin, potassium and allergy.

  • Vitamin A and carotenoids in the fruit
  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese and copper
  • Fiber content

More about Persimmons

Jackfruit

Tropical fruit

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Vitamin B6Vitamin CPotassiumCopperMagnesium

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (165 g)

What jackfruit contains (USDA values), what research does and does not show, and the allergy, potassium and blood sugar points worth knowing.

  • Source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium
  • Fiber and everyday digestion
  • Green jackfruit flour and blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
  • Ripe jackfruit, sugar and blood sugar

More about Jackfruit

Averrhoa carambola

Vitamin CCopperFiber

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (108 g)

What star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) contains per USDA, what research shows, and the serious nerve and kidney danger for people with kidney disease.

  • Caramboxin: the suspected neurotoxin
  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fiber and copper content
  • Possible medicine interactions (lab data only)

More about Star Fruit (Carambola)

Coconut

Tropical fruit

Cocos nucifera

ManganeseCopperFiberIron

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, shredded (80 g)

What the research shows for coconut meat, with USDA nutrient values, a clear look at its saturated fat, and short notes on coconut water, milk and oil, allergy and food safety.

  • Fiber, manganese and copper in coconut meat
  • Coconut water and exercise rehydration
  • Coconut water in ulcerative colitis
  • Coconut meat and heart health

More about Coconut

Citrullus lanatus

Vitamin CCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, diced (152 g)

What the evidence says about watermelon as a food: nutrients, lycopene and citrulline, blood pressure and exercise studies, allergy and food-safety notes.

  • Water content and fluid intake
  • Vitamin C from the whole fruit
  • Citrulline and blood pressure
  • Blood vessel function (surrogate measures)

More about Watermelon

Cucumis melo

Vitamin CVitamin A

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, cubes (160 g)

What cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) contains by USDA data, what research does and does not show, and the food-safety and potassium points worth knowing.

  • Vitamin C intake and scurvy prevention
  • Fruit and vegetable intake and long-term health
  • Vitamin C and the common cold
  • Beta-carotene and vitamin A content

More about Cantaloupe

Dates

Dried fruit and others

Phoenix dactylifera

FiberCopperPotassiumManganeseMagnesium

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, chopped (147 g), Deglet Noor

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) as a food: USDA nutrients, what trials found on digestion, blood sugar and late pregnancy, and safety notes on sugar, potassium and sulphites.

  • Fiber and bowel regularity
  • Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
  • Late pregnancy and labour
  • Potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese in the diet

More about Dates

Figs

Dried fruit and others

Ficus carica

Normal serving (USDA): 1 large fig, 2-1/2 inch diameter (64 g)

Figs (Ficus carica) as a food: USDA nutrients, what trials found on constipation, plus allergy, skin-sap and potassium notes, with weak evidence called out.

  • Fiber and bowel regularity
  • Everyday nutrients: fiber, potassium and minerals
  • Drying concentrates sugar and minerals
  • Plant compounds (polyphenols, anthocyanins)

More about Figs

Raisins

Dried fruit and others

Vitis vinifera (dried)

Copper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 small box, 1.5 oz (43 g)

What raisins contain (USDA values), what studies found on blood sugar and blood pressure, and the safety notes: sugar, sulfites, potassium, teeth and dogs.

  • Fiber, potassium and copper in the diet
  • After-meal blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
  • Blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes risk (observational)

More about Raisins

Olives

Dried fruit and others

Olea europaea

Normal serving (USDA): 1 tbsp, ripe canned (8.4 g)

Table olives (Olea europaea) as a food: USDA nutrients, why brining makes them high in sodium, what research does and does not show, and safety notes.

  • Everyday nutrients: fat, fiber, iron, copper, vitamin E
  • Olive phenolics (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol) and heart or metabolic markers
  • Fermented olives and gut health
  • Disease prevention from eating table olives

More about Olives

Pomegranate

Dried fruit and others

Punica granatum

FiberVitamin KCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 0.5 cup arils (87 g)

Pomegranate fruit and juice: what meta-analyses of trials found on blood pressure and blood sugar, the thin evidence on memory, and cautions for people on medicines.

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol and blood fats
  • Memory and thinking

More about Pomegranate

Plums

Stone fruit

Prunus domestica

Vitamin CCopper

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, sliced (165 g)

What plums (Prunus domestica) and dried plums (prunes) contain, what trials show for bowel regularity and bones, and allergy, medicine and food-safety notes.

  • Prunes and bowel regularity (constipation)
  • Vitamin C from plums
  • Dried plums and bone density
  • Plum products and blood cholesterol

More about Plums

Prunes (Dried Plums)

Dried fruit and others

Prunus domestica (dried)

Vitamin KCopperFiberPotassiumManganese

Normal serving (USDA): 1 cup, pitted (174 g)

What prunes (dried plums) contain, what trials show for constipation and bone density, and the sugar, potassium, vitamin K and bowel-comfort points to know.

  • Bowel regularity and constipation
  • Bone loss after menopause
  • Bone health in men
  • Blood cholesterol and blood sugar

More about Prunes (Dried Plums)

A link between a fruit and a topic means the body needs the fruit for that job, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate. See each page’s evidence label.

Browse by fruit fruit group

Berries and grapes

Blueberries, blackcurrants, mulberries, grapes and relatives: small, juicy, often deeply coloured fruit.

Citrus

Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and mandarins: the classic vitamin C fruit, and the family to check with some medicines.

Stone fruit

Cherries, peaches, plums and apricots: fruit with a single hard stone.

Apples and pears

Apples and pears: familiar everyday fruit with fiber in the flesh and skin.

Tropical fruit

Banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit and other fruit from warm climates.

Melons

Watermelon and cantaloupe: water-rich summer fruit.

Dried fruit and others

Dates, figs, raisins, prunes, olives and pomegranate: dried and other special fruit.

Related minerals, nutrients and supplements

Fruits work alongside other nutrients. Here is what our sources link to them.

  • Beta-carotene

    Vitamin A: The body can convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.

  • Vitamin E

    Vitamin A: Vitamin E and beta-carotene were tested together in the Finnish smoker trial.

  • Calcium

    Vitamin D: Vitamin D increases calcium absorption; both matter for bones, and treatment of rickets and osteomalacia includes both.

  • Phosphorus

    Vitamin D: NHS says vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate.

  • Vitamin K

    Vitamin E: MedlinePlus says vitamin E helps the body use vitamin K; both affect blood clotting, which matters for people on blood thinners.

  • Selenium

    Vitamin E: Vitamin E and selenium were tested together and apart in the SELECT prostate cancer trial.

  • Vitamin C

    Vitamin E: Vitamin C and vitamin E were pooled with other antioxidants in the Cochrane mortality review.

  • Vitamin D

    Vitamin K: Vitamin D with K2 products exist; the site page does not claim an added benefit.

  • Folate

    Vitamin B1 (thiamin): The NHS page covers B vitamins together; MedlinePlus says doctors may recommend other vitamins alongside thiamin for beriberi.

  • Other B vitamins

    Vitamin B2: MedlinePlus says riboflavin works with the other B vitamins.

  • Tryptophan

    Vitamin B3 (niacin): Pellagra comes from too little niacin or tryptophan in the diet, so both matter for avoiding deficiency.

  • Biotin

    Vitamin B5: MedlinePlus covers pantothenic acid and biotin together; both are needed for growth and metabolism and for making fatty acids.

VegetablesOmega fatty acidsAntioxidantsSupplement formulasCompare supplementsNatural Remedy Safety

Explore Fruits

Berries & Grapes(4)Blueberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, mulberries, gooseberries and grapes.
Citrus Fruits(5)Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and mandarins, including the medicine cautions that go with the grapefruit family.
Stone Fruit(5)Cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots.
Apples & Pears(2)Everyday orchard fruit.
Tropical & Other Fresh Fruit(12)Banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit, guava, lychee, passion fruit, persimmon, jackfruit, star fruit and coconut.
Melons(2)Watermelon and cantaloupe.
Dried Fruit & Others(5)Dates, figs, raisins, prunes, olives and pomegranate.

Search fruits: popular fruits, A to Z, search with filters, more ways

Health benefits of fruits

Fruits have been used for health in many cultures for centuries. A traditional use tells you what people have done, not that it works. Here every fruit is listed under the goals, body systems and actions its guide connects it to, and each link carries the strength of the evidence behind it.

Strongest

0 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit

Promising

38 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence

Early science

3 fruits

Lab or animal research only

Unknown

0 fruits

Too little evidence to say

Each fruit is counted once, at the strongest level its guide documents for any use. A strong label for one use says nothing about its other uses or its safety. "Traditional use" alone is not one of these labels: where a guide only reports history, the link is rated "Too little evidence to say". Read the guide on traditional use and research evidence.

Fruits by wellness goal

Each card shows how many fruits are linked to a goal and how strong the evidence is. Green means clinical trials support a benefit; grey means too little evidence. These are links the guides document, not recommendations. For the wider picture, see the Wellness Goals section.

Joints and mobility

1fruits

1 promising

Best-studied

See all 1 fruits by strength of evidence

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Goal pages: Joint Support

Fruits by body system, body part and action

The same links, organized the way anatomy and physiology textbooks do. "Action" describes what a fruit is said to do (for example calming or digestive support); it names the claim, not the proof.

Body systems · 15 groups
Cardiovascular System · 13 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (13)

Digestive System · 12 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (7)

Too little evidence to say (3)

Heart & Circulation · 12 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (12)

Gut Health · 8 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (5)

Too little evidence to say (1)

Blood Sugar Support · 8 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (8)

Integumentary System · 3 fruits

Too little evidence to say (3)

Bones, Joints & Muscles · 3 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (3)

Musculoskeletal System · 2 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Wellness & Prevention · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Brain & Focus · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Nervous System · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Immune Support · 1 fruits

Too little evidence to say (1)

Immune System · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Skin, Hair & Beauty · 1 fruits

Too little evidence to say (1)

Sleep & Recovery · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Body parts · 11 groups
Gut · 7 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (4)

Too little evidence to say (1)

Blood Vessels · 7 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (5)

Too little evidence to say (2)

Colon · 5 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Lab or animal research only (1)

Heart · 4 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (3)

Too little evidence to say (1)

Skin · 4 fruits

Too little evidence to say (4)

Bones · 4 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Too little evidence to say (2)

Large Intestine · 3 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Eyes · 2 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Too little evidence to say (1)

Joints · 2 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Brain · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Muscles · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Functional actions · 7 groups
Antioxidant · 11 fruits

Lab or animal research only (11)

Digestive Support · 6 fruits

Clinical trials support a benefit (2)

Early or mixed human evidence (4)

Cardiovascular Support · 4 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (4)

Blood Sugar Regulation · 2 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Muscle Recovery · 2 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (2)

Hydration Support · 1 fruits

Early or mixed human evidence (1)

Anti-Inflammatory · 1 fruits

Lab or animal research only (1)

Compare related fruits

Side-by-side guides for fruits that people confuse or choose between. They explain differences; they do not rank the fruits.

What research shows, by health concern

Each guide below looks at one concern, from sleep to skin, and separates fruits that were tested in people from fruits that are only traditional or lab-tested.

Herbs by wellness goal: the full guide

Traditional uses of fruits

People have used fruits for health for many centuries. A traditional use tells you what people have done, not that it works. For what research found, see the Health Benefits and Scientific Evidence tabs.

Traditional fruit medicine

Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other traditions each use natural remedies in their own systems. The fruits below are the ones whose guide mentions the tradition in its own text. That a tradition uses a fruit is history, not clinical evidence. Each guide says separately what trials found.

Traditional Chinese Medicine · 1 fruits mention it

Read more: Therapies & Traditions.

Safety and side effects of fruits

Fruits are active substances. Some interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy or with certain conditions, and some have been linked to serious harm. This tab brings together what the individual fruit guides document, plus the general rules. Medicine interactions have their own tab.

If someone may have been poisoned or is seriously unwell

  • Collapse, seizure, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain or a fast irregular heartbeat: call your local emergency number now (911 in the United States and Canada, 999 in the UK, 112 in the European Union).
  • Swallowed too much of a fruit, or a child or pet got into a product, and the person seems well: in the United States call Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24 hours). Elsewhere, call your national poison centre or local emergency number.
  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe belly pain, or a new rash after starting a fruit: stop it and contact a clinician the same day.

Have the product bottle with you when you call. Poisoning: What to Do First · Poison Help by Country · Emergency Quick Reference: Whom to Call (911, 988, Poison Help)

Safety first with foods

  • Food allergy can be an emergency. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
  • Some foods affect medicines: grapefruit and relatives, vitamin K greens with warfarin, and potassium-rich foods with some blood pressure medicines or kidney disease.
  • Juices, powders and extracts are not the same as the whole food. Ask a pharmacist or clinician if you take medicines or have a medical condition.
Read about foods and medicines

General fruit safety principles

  1. "Natural" does not mean safe. Natural products can contain strong substances; some are harmful. Natural Does Not Mean Safe
  2. Tell your pharmacist and clinician about every fruit product you use, and ask before combining one with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
  3. Be extra careful with narrow-margin medicines such as warfarin, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, diabetes and blood pressure medicines.
  4. Tell the surgical team about every fruit before an operation. Many teams ask people to stop fruit products ahead of surgery; ask yours how long.
  5. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults are groups where good safety data are often missing, so official sources usually advise asking first.
  6. Start one product at a time, at the label amount, so a reaction can be traced. Stop and get advice if you feel unwell.
  7. Products vary. Contamination, substitution and mislabelling are documented problems; third-party testing can reduce but not remove the risk.
  8. Report a bad reaction to your national system (in the US, FDA MedWatch). Side Effects, Allergic Reactions & Reporting

Safety guides by topic

Natural Remedy Safety: the full department  · 

Documented risks and interactions, by concern

Each line comes from a fruit's own guide, where it is backed by cited sources: 142 documented risks across 41 of the 41 fruits. A fruit missing from a list is not proven safe: it may simply not have been studied. Open the fruit's guide for the full wording and sources.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding · 3 fruits
Children and teenagers · 2 fruits
Liver · 1 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
PomegranateOther medicines and liver enzymes. A review reports pomegranate constituents inhibit the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 that process many drugs, mostly shown in animals;…
Kidneys · 20 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
BananasPotassium, kidney disease and medicines. People with kidney disease may be told to limit higher-potassium foods; the NKF lists half a banana among them. MedlinePlus says …
BlackcurrantsVitamin C supplements, oxalate and kidney stones. Supplemental vitamin C raises urine oxalate; it is not known whether this raises stone risk. No source read covers blackcurrants …
BlackcurrantsPotassium and kidney disease. A cup gives about 8% of the potassium Daily Value (USDA). People with kidney disease or on potassium-affecting medicines should a…
CantaloupePotassium and kidney disease or certain medicines. USDA lists 267 mg potassium per 100 g (427 mg in 1 cup of cubes). MedlinePlus says that with chronic kidney disease the kidneys m…
DatesPotassium with kidney disease and some medicines. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not remove extra potassium and some medicines can raise it; dates are potassium-rich.…
FigsPotassium, kidney disease and some blood pressure medicines. MedlinePlus says fruits are rich in potassium and that people with poor kidney function, or taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs or potass…
GrapefruitPotassium, kidney disease and some heart medicines. MedlinePlus lists citrus as potassium-rich and says ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise blood potassiu…
GrapesPotassium and kidney disease. One cup has about 288 mg potassium (6% Daily Value). MedlinePlus notes that in chronic kidney disease extra potassium may not be …
GuavaPotassium and kidney disease. One cup gives about 15% of the Daily Value of potassium (USDA). The NHS notes older people may be more at risk of harm from potas…
JackfruitPotassium and kidney disease. Jackfruit has about 739 mg of potassium per cup of sliced fruit. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not remove extra pot…
Mandarins & TangerinesPotassium and kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation lists whole tangerines and mandarin oranges as lower-potassium fruits, unlike oranges; individual …
NectarinesPotassium, sugar and kidney disease. A medium nectarine has about 285 mg potassium and 11 g natural sugar. People limiting potassium or managing diabetes can ask thei…
OrangesPotassium and kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation lists one medium orange and orange juice as higher-potassium foods for people with kidney disease …
PapayaPotassium and kidney disease. One cup gives about 264 mg of potassium (6% of the Daily Value); people on potassium limits should follow their care team's advic…
PeachesPotassium, sugar and kidney disease. A medium peach has about 285 mg potassium and 12.6 g natural sugar. People told to limit potassium, or managing diabetes, can ask…
PersimmonsPotassium and kidney disease. Persimmon has a modest amount of potassium (about 270 mg per fruit, 6% of the Daily Value). MedlinePlus says people with chronic …
PlumsPotassium content and kidney-disease diets. Raw plums contain 157 mg potassium per 100 g (USDA); people on potassium-restricted diets should follow their care team's advice,…
Prunes (Dried Plums)Potassium: kidney disease and some medicines. Prunes hold 732 mg potassium per 100 g (about 1,274 mg per cup). MedlinePlus says in chronic kidney disease extra potassium may b…
RaisinsPotassium and kidney disease. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not clear extra potassium, and some medicines raise potassium; raisins have 744 mg po…
Star Fruit (Carambola)Kidney disease and star fruit neurotoxicity. The National Kidney Foundation says people with kidney disease should avoid star fruit. Its neurotoxin is cleared by healthy kidn…
Star Fruit (Carambola)Oxalate kidney injury in people without known kidney disease. Large amounts of sour star fruit juice, especially on an empty stomach, have caused sudden kidney failure from calcium oxalate cr…
Sweet CherriesPotassium and kidney disease. A cup of cherries gives about 342 mg of potassium (7% of the Daily Value). People told to limit potassium should ask their care t…
Blood pressure and heart · 21 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
BananasPotassium, kidney disease and medicines. People with kidney disease may be told to limit higher-potassium foods; the NKF lists half a banana among them. MedlinePlus says …
BananasToo much potassium from supplements. The NHS says excess potassium can cause stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea and that older people should not take potassium supple…
BlackcurrantsPotassium and kidney disease. A cup gives about 8% of the potassium Daily Value (USDA). People with kidney disease or on potassium-affecting medicines should a…
CantaloupePotassium and kidney disease or certain medicines. USDA lists 267 mg potassium per 100 g (427 mg in 1 cup of cubes). MedlinePlus says that with chronic kidney disease the kidneys m…
DatesPotassium with kidney disease and some medicines. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not remove extra potassium and some medicines can raise it; dates are potassium-rich.…
FigsPotassium, kidney disease and some blood pressure medicines. MedlinePlus says fruits are rich in potassium and that people with poor kidney function, or taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs or potass…
GrapefruitPotassium, kidney disease and some heart medicines. MedlinePlus lists citrus as potassium-rich and says ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise blood potassiu…
GrapesPotassium and kidney disease. One cup has about 288 mg potassium (6% Daily Value). MedlinePlus notes that in chronic kidney disease extra potassium may not be …
GuavaPotassium and kidney disease. One cup gives about 15% of the Daily Value of potassium (USDA). The NHS notes older people may be more at risk of harm from potas…
JackfruitPotassium and kidney disease. Jackfruit has about 739 mg of potassium per cup of sliced fruit. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not remove extra pot…
JackfruitMedicines that raise potassium. MedlinePlus says some medicines can raise potassium. No source read tests jackfruit with them.
Mandarins & TangerinesPotassium and kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation lists whole tangerines and mandarin oranges as lower-potassium fruits, unlike oranges; individual …
NectarinesPotassium, sugar and kidney disease. A medium nectarine has about 285 mg potassium and 11 g natural sugar. People limiting potassium or managing diabetes can ask thei…
OlivesSodium from brining and blood pressure. Curing puts salt into olives: USDA lists 735 mg of sodium per 100 g in canned ripe olives and 1,556 mg in pickled green olives. P…
OrangesPotassium and kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation lists one medium orange and orange juice as higher-potassium foods for people with kidney disease …
PapayaPotassium and kidney disease. One cup gives about 264 mg of potassium (6% of the Daily Value); people on potassium limits should follow their care team's advic…
Passion FruitFiber side effects and potassium load. One cup is high in fiber and has about 17% of the potassium Daily Value; people with kidney disease should ask a clinician.
PeachesPotassium, sugar and kidney disease. A medium peach has about 285 mg potassium and 12.6 g natural sugar. People told to limit potassium, or managing diabetes, can ask…
PersimmonsPotassium and kidney disease. Persimmon has a modest amount of potassium (about 270 mg per fruit, 6% of the Daily Value). MedlinePlus says people with chronic …
PlumsPotassium content and kidney-disease diets. Raw plums contain 157 mg potassium per 100 g (USDA); people on potassium-restricted diets should follow their care team's advice,…
Prunes (Dried Plums)Potassium: kidney disease and some medicines. Prunes hold 732 mg potassium per 100 g (about 1,274 mg per cup). MedlinePlus says in chronic kidney disease extra potassium may b…
RaisinsPotassium and kidney disease. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not clear extra potassium, and some medicines raise potassium; raisins have 744 mg po…
Sweet CherriesPotassium and kidney disease. A cup of cherries gives about 342 mg of potassium (7% of the Daily Value). People told to limit potassium should ask their care t…
Allergy and skin reactions · 33 fruits
Common side effects · 4 fruits
Toxicity, poisoning and legal restrictions · 2 fruits
Product quality, contamination and substitution · 1 fruits
Other fruit-specific cautions · 33 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
ApricotsApricot kernels and cyanide. Raw apricot kernels contain amygdalin that can release cyanide. EFSA set a single-sitting limit of 20 micrograms per kg body weig…
ApricotsLaetrile or 'vitamin B17' for cancer. Laetrile (amygdalin) is not a vitamin. NCI found no anticancer activity in human trials, and it can cause cyanide poisoning.
ApricotsWashing and food safety. Rinse fresh produce under running water, no soap; refrigerate cut produce at 40 F or below.
BananasProduce food safety. FDA advises rinsing produce under running water without soap and refrigerating cut fruit.
BlueberriesJuice and sweetened blueberry products. US dietary guidelines say at least half of fruit should come from whole fruit rather than 100% juice, and juice is lower in fiber…
BlueberriesWashing and food safety. FDA advises washing fresh produce under running water; soap or produce wash is not recommended.
Citrus Fruits (overview)Washing and food safety. The FDA advises washing whole produce under running water before cutting and says soap or produce wash is not recommended.
CoconutVery high saturated fat. One cup of shredded meat has about 24 g of saturated fat, more than the whole Daily Value (USDA). WHO advises under 10% of energy…
CoconutCoconut oil and LDL cholesterol. A meta-analysis of 16 trials found coconut oil raised LDL by 10.5 mg/dL and HDL by 4.0 mg/dL compared with non-tropical vegetable…
CoconutWashing and storing whole and cut coconut. Rinse the outside under running water without soap, refrigerate cut produce at 40 F or below, and discard produce that looks rott…
DatesSulphites in some dried fruit. The FDA requires sulphites to be declared at 10 ppm or more because of reactions such as asthma in sensitive people. Check the la…
DatesHigh sugar and energy density. Dates have about 63 to 66 g of sugar and about 280 kcal per 100 g, so portions are small.
FigsSugar content. Raw figs have 16.3 g of sugars per 100 g, more concentrated in dried figs.
GooseberriesVery high vitamin C from supplements. More than 1,000 mg a day from supplements can cause stomach pain and diarrhea; high doses can rarely cause kidney stones. This co…
GooseberriesWashing and storing fresh fruit. Rinse under running water, no soap; refrigerate perishable produce at 40 F or below.
GrapefruitCitrus intake and skin cancer risk (observation). The EPIC cohort (270,112 people) found a slightly higher skin cancer risk with higher citrus intake (hazard ratio 1.10 for the hi…
GrapesNatural sugar content. One cup of European-type grapes has about 23 g of total sugars (USDA); the NHS notes even unsweetened juice is sugary.
GuavaFresh produce food safety. Wash fresh fruit under running water; soap or produce wash is not recommended; cut away damaged areas.
JackfruitWashing and handling fresh-cut fruit. FDA advises rinsing produce under running water, cutting away damaged parts and refrigerating pre-cut produce.
KiwifruitLatex-fruit syndrome. People with natural rubber latex allergy may also react to kiwi, banana, avocado and chestnut.
LemonsTooth enamel and acidic juice. In a laboratory study on extracted teeth, lemon juice strongly eroded enamel; the authors say it should not be read as a clinical…
LemonsHigh-dose vitamin C supplements. Over 2,000 mg a day is not recommended per MedlinePlus (stomach upset, diarrhea, rarely kidney stones); NHS says over 1,000 mg ca…
LimesVery large vitamin C doses (supplements). Supplement amounts above about 1,000 mg a day can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea; above 2,000 mg a day rarely kidney stones. Fo…
LimesPesticide residues on limes. A method-testing paper found residues in 14 of 22 Tahiti lime samples, some above EU limits. It is one study and does not give a …
Mandarins & TangerinesToo much vitamin C from supplements. More than 1,000 mg a day from supplements can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea (NHS); MedlinePlus says above 2,000 mg is not reco…
MangoFODMAPs and bloating. Monash University lists mango among fruits high in excess fructose, which can trigger symptoms in some people with irritable bowe…
MangoFood safety: washing and cutting. Wash fruit under running water without soap and refrigerate cut fruit; a 2026 lab study found Salmonella can grow in both the rin…
MulberriesSafety of mulberry berry products is unstudied. NCCIH says there is insufficient reliable information about the safety of white mulberry berries as a product; little is known ab…
NectarinesSkin, washing and pesticide residues. The thin skin is usually eaten. A 2025 Croatian survey found over 60% of households did not peel peaches and nectarines. Wash und…
NectarinesPit and kernel. No source on nectarine kernels was found; not eating the pit is a caution only.
OlivesBotulism risk from home-cured olives. A 2003 Italian outbreak was linked to green olives cured in salt water with no standard salt level or acidity; a jar made at the …
OrangesHigh-dose vitamin C supplements. The NHS says over 1,000 mg a day can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea; MedlinePlus says over 2,000 mg a day is not recommended an…
Passion FruitNatural cyanide compounds in peel, fiber and juice. Cyanogenic glycosides were measured in passion fruit peel, juice and by-product fiber. Effect of eating pulp was not tested; a re…
Passion FruitFood safety when handling. Rinse under running water, keep cut produce at 40 F or below, no soap or produce wash.
PeachesPeach pit and kernel. A systematic review of seeds used as food or medicine found many serious adverse events with bitter apricot seed. We found no sou…
PeachesWashing and storing fresh fruit. Rinse under running water without soap; keep cut or packaged fruit at 40°F or below.
PearsWashing and food safety of fresh pears. The FDA advises rinsing produce under running water (no soap or produce wash), washing before cutting, refrigerating cut produce,…
PineappleLab findings on bromelain at high concentrations. A 2026 cell study reported cell-damage markers at higher bromelain concentrations in the test tube; this does not show harm from …
PineappleFood safety for cut fruit. Keep cut pineapple refrigerated at 40 F or below, rinse whole produce without soap and avoid bruised fruit.
PlumsSorbitol, loose stools and gas. Plums contain sorbitol, and prunes are used to loosen the bowel, so larger amounts can cause diarrhoea, gas or cramps.
PomegranatePeel, root and stem are not for use. NCCIH says pomegranate root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts. This page gives no preparation instructions for them.
Prunes (Dried Plums)Loose stools, gas and cramps. The same sorbitol that eases constipation can cause diarrhea, gas or cramps in larger amounts, and people with irritable bowel sy…
RaisinsHigh sugar and energy density. Raisins carry about 65 g sugar and 299 kcal per 100 g (USDA); people who count carbohydrates should treat them as a carbohydrate …
RaisinsDried fruit and tooth decay. The NHS advises eating dried fruit at mealtimes rather than as a snack between meals to lower tooth decay risk.
RaisinsSulfites in some dried fruit. An FDA notice describes golden raisins recalled for undeclared sulfites; sulfite-sensitive people can have serious reactions. Che…
RaisinsGrapes and raisins are harmful to dogs. A veterinary study notes that grapes or raisins have been reported to cause acute kidney injury in dogs; keep them away from pets.
Star Fruit (Carambola)Status epilepticus and seizures. In people with chronic kidney disease, star fruit has caused seizures that do not stop (status epilepticus). A review of publishe…
Star Fruit (Carambola)Washing and handling produce. The FDA advises washing produce under running water without soap, cutting away bruised areas and refrigerating cut produce at 40 …
Sweet CherriesCherry pits in the airway. Doctors have reported cherry pits stuck in the airway of adults, causing repeated pneumonia. The sources we read did not describe…
Tart CherriesCherry juice sugar. Unsweetened fruit juice counts as free sugars in NHS guidance, which suggests limiting juice and smoothies to 150 ml a day in tot…
Tart CherriesGout needs a clinician; urgent signs. Cherries are not a treatment for gout. The NHS advises seeing a GP for first symptoms or when treatment is not helping, and says …
WatermelonFood safety of cut melon. FDA advises scrubbing melons before cutting, refrigerating cut melon at 40 F or below, and buying only pre-cut pieces that are ch…

Fruit and medicine interactions

Some fruits change how a medicine works, or add to its effect. This matters most for narrow-margin medicines such as blood thinners, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, and diabetes and blood pressure medicines. Always tell your pharmacist and clinician about every fruit you take. Ask before starting, stopping or combining anything.

Interaction and surgery guides

 ·  Medication interactions in Natural Remedy Safety

Documented interactions, by concern

Each line comes from a fruit's own guide and its cited sources. A fruit missing from a list is not proven free of interactions: it may simply not have been studied. Open the fruit's guide for the full wording.

Medicine interactions (prescription and over the counter) · 17 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
AvocadoWarfarin and vitamin K foods. MedlinePlus says people on warfarin may need to limit vitamin K foods and keep the amount steady from day to day. USDA lists 21 m…
BananasPotassium, kidney disease and medicines. People with kidney disease may be told to limit higher-potassium foods; the NKF lists half a banana among them. MedlinePlus says …
CantaloupePotassium and kidney disease or certain medicines. USDA lists 267 mg potassium per 100 g (427 mg in 1 cup of cubes). MedlinePlus says that with chronic kidney disease the kidneys m…
Citrus Fruits (overview)Grapefruit and medicine interactions. The FDA says grapefruit juice and grapefruit can change how some medicines work, including some statins, blood pressure medicines…
Citrus Fruits (overview)Other juices and medicine absorption. A review of randomized trials found that juices other than grapefruit did not cause severely harmful interactions, but orange jui…
DatesPotassium with kidney disease and some medicines. With chronic kidney disease the kidneys may not remove extra potassium and some medicines can raise it; dates are potassium-rich.…
FigsPotassium, kidney disease and some blood pressure medicines. MedlinePlus says fruits are rich in potassium and that people with poor kidney function, or taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs or potass…
GooseberriesAllergy and medicines: no specific data. We found no gooseberry-specific allergy or medicine-interaction source; any food can trigger a reaction.
GrapefruitGrapefruit and medicine interactions. Grapefruit juice can raise the blood level of some medicines (some statins, calcium-channel blockers, transplant, anti-anxiety an…
GrapefruitPotassium, kidney disease and some heart medicines. MedlinePlus lists citrus as potassium-rich and says ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise blood potassiu…
JackfruitMedicines that raise potassium. MedlinePlus says some medicines can raise potassium. No source read tests jackfruit with them.
LemonsMedicine interactions (grapefruit-type). The FDA page on grapefruit and medicines names grapefruit, Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos; it does not mention lemons or l…
Mandarins & TangerinesMedicines: grapefruit-type citrus, not named for mandarins. The FDA names grapefruit, Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos as citrus that may affect some medicines; mandarins and tangerine…
MulberriesMulberry leaf products and diabetes medicines. NCCIH says white mulberry leaf taken with diabetes medicines may carry a risk of low blood sugar. This is about the leaf, not the…
OrangesMedicine interactions: Seville oranges and orange juice. The FDA says Seville oranges might act like grapefruit juice on some medicines, and that fexofenadine may not work as well with o…
PersimmonsPossible interaction with warfarin. A 2026 case report describes a woman on warfarin whose clotting tests rose after eating unripe persimmons daily for two weeks; th…
PomegranatePossible interaction with warfarin. A case report described a possible interaction between pomegranate juice and warfarin, and the authors said it does not prove it.…
PomegranateOther medicines and liver enzymes. A review reports pomegranate constituents inhibit the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 that process many drugs, mostly shown in animals;…
Prunes (Dried Plums)Potassium: kidney disease and some medicines. Prunes hold 732 mg potassium per 100 g (about 1,274 mg per cup). MedlinePlus says in chronic kidney disease extra potassium may b…
Prunes (Dried Plums)Vitamin K and warfarin. Prunes contain 59.5 ug vitamin K per 100 g (86% of the Daily Value per cup). MedlinePlus says sudden changes in vitamin K intake …
Strawberries, Raspberries & BlackberriesAllergy, medicines and pregnancy: no cautions found in sources read. The sources read for the site page did not describe medicine interactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or allergy cautions f…
Blood sugar and diabetes medicines · 6 fruits
FruitWhat its guide documents
GuavaSugar and diabetes. About 15 g of sugars per cup (USDA); trials on blood sugar are small and mixed, including a rise in fasting glucose when eaten wi…
JackfruitSugar content and diabetes. About 31 g of sugars in a cup of sliced fruit (USDA).
LycheeLow blood sugar and brain illness in children (India 2014). A case-control study linked lychee eating, especially without an evening meal, to a serious illness with low blood sugar; hypogly…
LycheeSugar content and diabetes planning. A 1-cup USDA serving has about 29 g of sugars, so people managing blood sugar should ask their care team how it fits.
MangoNatural sugar and diabetes. One cup has about 22 g of sugars (USDA). Small trials did not report worse blood sugar in the groups studied, but people on diabe…
MulberriesMulberry leaf products and diabetes medicines. NCCIH says white mulberry leaf taken with diabetes medicines may carry a risk of low blood sugar. This is about the leaf, not the…
Prunes (Dried Plums)Sugar content and diabetes. Prunes have 38 g of sugars per 100 g. In a 12-month trial, prunes did not change blood sugar control in postmenopausal women.

Scientific evidence and research on fruits

For most fruits, good human evidence is limited. Every outcome in our fruit guides is rated for how strong the evidence is, and the rating is shown next to it. Across the 41 guides, 41 fruits have no outcome rated "clinical trials support a benefit".

What the evidence ratings add up to

  • 0Clinical trials support a benefitTrials in people support a defined effect, usually a narrow one.
  • 109Early or mixed human evidenceSmall, short or disagreeing studies. Positive and negative findings both count here.
  • 37Lab or animal research onlySeen in cells or animals. This does not show a benefit in people.
  • 79Too little evidence to sayPopular claims for which we found no usable human trials.
  • 142Documented risksSafety findings, shown in the Safety tab.

How to read fruit research

  • Lab, animal and human studies answer different questions. A chemical that kills cells in a dish, or helps mice, may do nothing in people.
  • A mechanism is not proof of benefit. Knowing which compounds a fruit contains, or which pathway they touch, explains how an effect might happen, not that it does.
  • A study that mentions a fruit does not show the fruit works. Many records only name the fruit, test it in animals, or find no effect.
  • Product and form matter. A result for one extract, dose or tea does not carry over to another product.
  • Look at size, length and who paid. Small, short or industry-funded trials are more likely to overstate effects; a single trial is rarely enough.

Evidence by fruit and outcome

How many outcomes each guide rates in each evidence group. Open a guide for the individual outcomes, what was found (including negative results) and the sources.

Show the evidence table for all 41 fruits
FruitTrials supportEarly / mixedLab / animalNot enoughRisks
Apples04122
Apricots02034
Avocado03032
Bananas04114
Blackcurrants03033
Blueberries06023
Cantaloupe01134
Citrus Fruits (overview)05004
Coconut02034
Dates03213
Figs01214
Gooseberries00243
Grapefruit04024
Grapes05114
Guava03124
Jackfruit01026
Kiwifruit04102
Lemons01014
Limes01124
Lychee00123
Mandarins & Tangerines02214
Mango03105
Mulberries02132
Nectarines01134
Olives01033
Oranges05004
Papaya03123
Passion Fruit01304
Peaches02115
Pears04112
Persimmons01133
Pineapple02213
Plums03113
Pomegranate03125
Prunes (Dried Plums)03054
Raisins03125
Star Fruit (Carambola)00514
Strawberries, Raspberries & Blackberries03051
Sweet Cherries04123
Tart Cherries06032
Watermelon04022

Where the evidence comes from

The guides cite 364 distinct sources. These are the ones cited most often, and the main places to check any fruit claim yourself.

Limits of the research and gaps

  • Many fruit trials are small, short, and test a specific extract that is not what most people buy.
  • Natural products vary with source, growing or mining conditions and processing, so two products with the same name can differ in what they contain.
  • Safety is studied less than benefit: long-term use, children, pregnancy and combinations with medicines are often unstudied.
  • Positive trials are published more often than negative ones, and many reviews pool trials of very different quality.

Fruit forms, preparations and quality

The same material can be sold as a powder, capsule, liquid or concentrated extract, and these are not interchangeable. A study of one preparation does not tell you what another does. This tab shows which forms each guide describes, and how to judge product quality.

Parts used

Different parts can contain different compounds, so the part named on the label matters.

Teas, tinctures, capsules, powders and topical products

For each kind of preparation, the fruits whose guides describe it. The guides say which form was actually studied. Detailed preparation instructions are in Herbal Teas & Extracts, so they are not repeated here.

Whole fruit, standardized extract, and what the numbers mean

A whole fruit (fresh, dried or powdered) contains everything in the raw material, in amounts that vary. A standardized extract is made to contain a stated amount of one or more marker compounds, which makes batches more consistent but is not the same as the whole fruit.

An extraction ratio such as 4:1 says how much raw material was used per unit of extract. It does not by itself say how much active compound a capsule holds or whether the product works. A marker compound is something measured for quality control; it is not always the compound that causes any effect.

Amounts and duration. We do not give universal dose recommendations. Where a source reports the amount and length of use tested for a named preparation, the fruit's guide gives it in that context; an amount studied in one product does not carry over to another, or to food-level use.

Absorption. Some active constituents are poorly absorbed, which is why concentrated or specially formulated products exist (curcumin is the best-known case). Better absorption can also raise the risk of side effects.

Comparison guides

Identification, labels and product quality

A good label names the species by its scientific name, says which part is used, and states the amount and form. Third-party testing can check identity, strength and contamination, but a seal is not a guarantee of safety or benefit.

Forms & preparations: the full guide  ·  Herbal Teas & Extracts

Frequently asked questions

How much fruit and vegetables do health bodies advise?

The World Health Organization advises at least 400 g of fruit and vegetables a day for people older than 10. [1] The UK NHS counts 80 g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit as one portion, and 30 g of dried fruit as one portion. [2]

Does fruit juice count?

The NHS counts juice and smoothies as one portion at most, with a combined limit of 150 ml a day, ideally with meals to lower the risk of tooth decay. [2] See also fruit juice vs whole fruit.

Can a fruit treat or cure a condition?

No fruit on this site is presented as a treatment. Eating more fruit and vegetables is a general dietary recommendation; individual fruit pages say what trials found and how strong the evidence is.

Which fruits matter with medicines?

Grapefruit and its relatives can change how some medicines work, and potassium-rich foods matter with some blood pressure medicines and kidney disease. See foods and medicine interactions and each fruit's safety section.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet. Date shown on the page: 26 January 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
  2. NHS. 5 A DAY: what counts?. Last reviewed 9 June 2026. Read 2026-10-23.

Complete See every fruit with filters

Content last updated . The tabs from Health Benefits onward are compiled automatically from the evidence ratings and sources in each fruit's guide (last data update November 13, 2026). This section has not been medically reviewed.

Education, not medical advice. This section is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe.