There’s nothing more refreshing in summer than biting into a delicious and juicy fruit. What’s even better is that you can never over indulge in them, given their health benefits.

So, if you wish to gorge on a generous doze of fruits this season, here is a list of top 5 must-haves…

Pineapple 

Though cutting a pineapple is an ardous task, it’s worth the effort. This tropical fruit is loaded with bromelain enzyme that helps in the digestion of fats and proteins. It’s also high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, which can prevent colds and strengthen your bones. It also keeps your gums healthy and teeth strong.

Watermelon 

This juicy fruit with high water content will keep you hydrated and cool. It also contains lycopene, which protects skin cells from being damaged by the sun. It is also said to be full of potassium, antioxidants, carotenoids, Vitamin A, B6, and C, calcium and fiber. A few slices a day can, apparently, also help prevent hair loss, digestive problems, poor eye sight and even heart attacks.

Tender Coconut 

Tender coconut might not have an over-powering taste, but it has health benefits that are unmatched by any other fruit. It not only quenches your thirst on a hot summer day, but also gives your body vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Tender coconut keeps the body cool, cures feeding infants from intestinal disturbances, kills intestinal worms, helps cure cholera, checks urinary infections, and is effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones. It has also been considered to be a blood plasma substitute as it is sterile, does not produce heat, does not destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body.

Mango 

No summer’s complete without biting into sweet and juicy mangoes. Known as the king of fruits, mangoes also have a lot of health benefits. The antioxidant compounds in the fruit are said to protect against colon, breast and prostate cancers. It also helps lower cholesterol, clear the skin, improve eye health and alkalize the whole body.

Strawberry

Though they’re tiny berries, they’re rich in vitamins, protein, citric acid, fat, iron and phosphorus. The fruit is also known to resolve UTI problems, which is a rather common condition to develop in summer. In fact, a bowl of strawberries a day can even better your immune system, lower your cholesterol and regulate your blood pressure. They also contain folate, a B-vitamin that will enhance a foetus’ development in the early stages of pregnancy.