Mango, the most popular tropical dessert worldwide, is rich in vitamin C, providing 60.1 milligrams (mg) per cup (67% of the Daily Value, or DV). Vitamin C supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Papaya provides 88.3 mg of vitamin C (98% of the DV) in a one-cup serving. Besides its antioxidant effects, vitamin C helps make collagen, which is needed for wound healing and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to fight inflammation and cancer.
Bananas come in convenient natural packaging, making them easy to carry and eat on the go. One medium-sized banana provides 3.07 grams (g) of fiber (11% DV), which is important for overall health, including digestion.
Acai berries are native to the Amazon River region and are typically found in United States grocery stores in processed forms like frozen puree packets, powders, or juices.
Although often used in savory dishes, avocado is technically a fruit. A one-cup serving of cubed avocado provides 10g of fiber (35% of the DV) and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Guava grows in tropical regions, including Florida and Hawaii. It is round, ovoid to pear-shaped, with a green to yellow peel and a flesh color that may be white, yellow, pink, or red.
Sapodilla, native to Central America, southern Mexico, and the Caribbean, is also grown in India. This oval fruit has rough, brown skin and yellow to light brown flesh. It's rich in beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols.
Mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia, where it's called the "Queen of Fruits." It's round with a hard, dark purple rind and white flesh. It's used medicinally in the Philippines and Malaysia and is studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects.
Durian, often called the "king of fruits," grows in Southeast Asian countries. Its shape varies from round to oblong, and its rind is green to brownish spiky. The flesh can be yellow, white, golden-yellow, or red.