Holiday celebrations are a time for delicious food and special treats - fruit fills the bill on both counts! Dr. Myshka of Fayetteville AR wants you to know that fresh fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so it's always a good choice for desserts and snacks. Fruit has also been shown to have disease-fighting abilities.

All About Fruit in Fayetteville AR

Look at some recent research on the subject:

• People who eat apples on a daily basis have stronger lung function.
• A persimmon a day fights atherosclerosis, thanks to their special combination of phenolics and minerals.
• Berries have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also to fight urinary tract infections.
• Figs have enough antioxidants to counteract oxidative stress (your body's equivalent of rust) for four hours after eating just one.
• Fruits rich in the combination of vitamin C and potassium were found to reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, according to a report in theAmerican Journal of Epidemiology.
• Flavonoid-rich pears can reduce the risk of heart disease, according to long-term studies.
• Pomegranates are stars in preventing breast cancer.
• Avocados reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

How can you include fruit? Here are some great ideas:

• Add fruit to green salads. Pomegranate seeds and pear slices gussy up a plain green salad, and apple chunks are terrific with spinach.
• Stir fruit like berries or grated apple into the holiday breads you make at this time of year. Cranberries are a seasonal favorite, and they make oatmeal cookies special.
• Create sauces for meats with fruit. Cherries and pineapple are naturals for your holiday ham.
• Spread avocado on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise or butter.
• Set out a bowl of fresh fruit for snackers instead of a tray of cookies. Nibbling on fruit is more satisfying!