Vegas Buzz

I've always been bothered by the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." You see, I'm not an apple person. Thankfully, the apple's not the only fruit that can keep you healthy.

Here are five fruits that give the apple some serious competition for the Power Fruit title:

Cranberry. Known for preventing bacteria from taking over the urinary tract, the cranberry's antioxidant properties protect the heart by boosting levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL ("good cholesterol") in your body. In a study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, participants who drank three eight-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily increased their HDL by 10 percent after three months.

Strawberry. Strawberries contain phytonutrients--such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins and ellagic acid. They help in enhancing memory function and fighting off rheumatoid arthritis.

Orange. More than being packed with Vitamin C, oranges have been proven to be more than what they seem. In 2004, a study undertaken by the US Department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize, a Canadian nutraceutical company, revealed that orange peels have medicinal value. Orange peels contain polymethoxylated flavones or PMFs--compounds that serve as potent, natural alternatives for lowering low-density lipoprotein or LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

Banana. With their high potassium content (about 400 to 600 mg in each fruit, depending on the size), bananas are easily the favorite of athletes and gym rats. Potassium keeps the body hydrated by preventing sodium from overpowering your body. Thus, bananas help strengthen your muscles and nerves.

Peach. Rich in antioxidants, peaches can ease digestion. Plus, they can also help prevent kidney diseases and anemia. Moreover, their phosphorus content enables them to protect nerve cells.

So, go ahead and pick your favorite power fruit and make sure you get to have it on a regular basis. Doing so would probably count as one of the most basic moves of preventive health care.

As for me, I'm a banana fan--and not just because it's an "athlete's fruit." It's because, like most guys, I prefer a fruit that's easily brown-bagged and doesn't make a mess when eaten. Like I always say, I love keeping things simple--especially when it comes to eating right.