**1.3. Use of fruits as nutritional and medicinal source**

Fruits are considered in dietary guidance because of their high concentration of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, phytochemicals, and especially antioxidants. Various reviews have been associated with the low intake of fruits include chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, many cancers, respiratory problems as well as mental health. Traditionally many fruits reported have been useful in many noncommunicable diseases and reduce the risk of epidemiologically. Nowadays, people are more interested in the prevention of health-related diseases which is that vital role of antioxidants. This fruit of bright color act as scavengers clean up free radicals before they cause any health effects.

In this fruit, more amount of the fibers are present and are helpful in reducing intestinal passage rates resulting in a more amount of nutrient absorption and hence prevent the constipation. It increases the concentration of short chain fatty acids because of fermented in colon that having maintained gut health and anti-carcinogenic properties. Recent report shows that fruits containing high number of anthocyanins, flavanols, and procyanidins, such as berries, grapes, and pomegranate are effective at decreasing cardiovascular risks while citrus fruit and apples had a moderate effect on blood pressure and blood lipid level [4].

Fruits have also been suggested to prevent osteoporosis in adults mainly due to their rich source of calcium and other vitamins present in them, which are vital for bone health. The high fiber content of fruit may play a major role in the reduction of acid load of the diet and in enhancing bone formation through calcium absorption. Interestingly, phytochemicals in fruits have been found to act as antiobesity agents because they also play a role in suppressing growth of adipose tissue. Fruits have been suggested to prevent obesity since they add up to dietary variety.
