By MaST Healthy Panther Post Cub reporters | Fruit is a great choice for a healthy snack. They are a good source of vitamins, and they’re naturally sweet. Eating fruit can help keep your body healthy and may even help protect you from some types of cancer, says an article on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ website eatright.org.

There are many ways to enjoy fruit. You can eat fruit fresh, frozen, dried, or even canned. If you eat canned fruit, the article says to make sure it’s packed in 100 percent juice. Trying fruit in different ways is a way to add more to your meals and snacks.

If you’re looking to try different fruits, think tropical. The academy’s article “Go Tropical with Fruits,” has some examples. Cub reporters share research findings on fruit.

Have you heard of these tropical fruits?

• Papaya is a tropical fruit that gives you important nutrients like vitamin A.
• Loquats are small fruits about the size of kumquats, and they also have vitamin A.
• Guavas are full of vitamin C and folate. Guavas also have fiber, which helps your body digest food. You can eat guavas fresh or blend them into a smoothie.

Illustration by Ian, 2nd grade, MaSt, 2025-26.