The joys of summer are simple and wonderful—long days, afternoons at the beach and a bounty of succulent fruit. We all know loading up on fruits and veggies can help control blood pressure, prevent heart attacks and guard against cancer, but how do you know which fruits are best? And what's in peak season now?
     Following is a guide to seven of the best fruits to enjoy through the end of summer:

	1. Strawberries. With only 45 calories per serving (about eight medium berries), strawberries provide 160 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin C, a boost of folate, powerful antioxidants and potassium. Strawberries—the only fruit with their seeds on the outside—are also a high-fiber fruit, with one serving contributing about 4 grams of dietary fiber. Healthy benefits: Strawberries help maintain heart health, lower cholesterol levels, protect the body from certain cancers and maintain immune function. Peak Season: April through October
	2. Blueberries. Native to North America, blueberries are a great source of fiber, with one cup containing 4 grams and 80 calories. They are also high in vitamin C and are good sources of potassium and folate. Healthy Benefits: The blue pigment in blueberries is called anthocyanin, an antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful byproducts that can lead to cancer and age-related diseases. Blueberries also may help reduce the build-up of heart-threatening LDL ("bad") cholesterol. They also can reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. And current studies are looking at the role blueberries play in improved eyesight and memory. Peak Season: June to mid-August
	3. Watermelon: Watermelon is, calorie for calorie, one of the most nutritious fruits. Two cups chopped contain a mere 85 calories and 2 grams of fiber. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin B1), potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin A and magnesium, and is a great summertime thirst-quencher (More than 90 percent of a watermelon's weight is water!). Healthy Benefits: Watermelon contains carotenoid and lycopene, potent antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytochemicals that help ward off heart disease and keep your immune system strong. Peak Season: June to September
	4. Peaches. A medium peach contains about 40 calories and 2 grams of fiber. Peaches also contain B vitamins, folate, vitamin C, potassium and a touch of zinc. For those following low-carb diets, peaches have a low-glycemic index. Healthy Benefits: Peaches contain beta-carotene, which has been shown to help lower cancer risk, heart disease and boost immunity. Peak Season: May through September
	5. Blackberries. Blackberries are packed with fiber at 3.6 grams per half cup! They are also a good source of vitamin C. Select blackberries with a sweet smell—no aroma equals no flavor. Healthy Benefits: Blackberries contribute to a healthy immune system as well as a healthy heart. They also contain anthocyanins, which may help reduce the risk of cancer and prevent urinary tract infection. Peak Season: June through August
	6. Carambola / Star Fruit. The carambola, or star fruit, is mild and sweet. Its color varies from yellow to green, depending on the variety, with the yellow more acidic and the green sweeter. When sliced it's shaped like a star, thus, its name. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, one star fruit has about 40 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 30 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and a good dose of potassium. Healthy Benefits: A strengthened immune system and protection against cancer and age-related illness. Peak Season: August through September
	7. Plums. Native to Europe, China and North American, plums are grown on every continent but Antarctica, with 200 varieties available. Two medium plums contain about 80 calories and 2 grams of fiber. They are a good source of vitamin C and also contain vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and potassium. They also have a low-glycemic index, so they won't spike your blood sugar. Healthy Benefits: The flavonoids they carry may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Peak Season: June through October