Fruit Basket - The Gift of Health
by Diana W
www.giftbasketforall.com

Fruit basket is the most healthy gift you can send to your friends and loved ones. According to the nutritional guidelines (known as the food pyramid) adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we should consume 2-4 servings of fruits a day to obtain good health. Fruits such as apples and oranges are low in calories and fat, and are a good source of natural sugars, fibers, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients such as flavonoids are plant chemicals that are thought to promote human health, Large population (epidemiological) studies, and human feeding studies have shown fruit and vegetable consumption decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Fruits are not only healthy, they are delicious. Hence, fruits baskets are ideal for gifting purpose. Fruits taste naturally sweet because they contain fruit sugar called fructose. Sending a fruit basket to clients and friends for the holidays their birthdays, or other gifting occasions shows your consideration about their health.  Fruit baskets can be sent even to individuals with dietary restrictions, for example, those who are on low fat diet, or who are trying to lose weight. This article reviews the health benefits of popular fruits and the different types of fruit baskets available. 

1. Apple Basket:
We have all heard the old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away".  This phrase may have more scientific backing than we thought.  Apples are full of vitamins A, C and E, and small amounts of most of the B vitamins, especially folate. Apples are also rich in fiber, including the soluble fiber pectin; and phytonutrients, including quercetins, catechin, which are strong antioxidants. Human epidemiologic studies have shown that apple consumption reduced the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. Apple consumption has been linked with lower risk of heart disease, and type II diabetes. Apple and pear consumption has also been linked with reduced risk of asthma, and weight loss in middle aged overweight women. 

The health benefits of eating apples and their good taste provides all the good reasons for you to consider sending an apple basket for any gifting occasion.  You can send an apple basket filled with a dozen of seasonal, sweet & crunchy apples - Galas, Braeburns, and Granny Smiths. These crisp and juicy apples will surely delight any apple fan.

2. Orange Gift:
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant; and contain over 170 phytonutrients and 60 flavonoids. Many of these phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and blood clot inhibiting properties.  Orange consumption has been shown to lower cholesterol, high blood pressure, and reduce the risk for heart disease and certain cancers.

Another citrus fruit, grapefruit, is rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which gives the red/pink hue of the grapefruit. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant which helps neutralize harmful free radicals that cause cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Consumption of food rich in lycopene has been shown to reduce risk of heart disease and many cancers, especially cancers of the prostate, lung and stomach. In addition, grapefruit helps to prevent or lessen the symptoms of arthritis because it contains salicyclic acid which helps to dissolve inorganic calcium buildup in the joints in the body. Grapefruit also helps in weight loss and lower cholesterol. 

With such great health benefits offered by oranges and grapefruit, consider sending a basket of juicy sweet juicy Sunkist oranges and tangy red grapefruit to your friends, clients, and family.  A citrus peeler is included in the basket. Your recipients can start having their citrus supply when the basket arrives. 

3. Fruits Basket:
Instead of sending a basket of apples or citrus fruits alone, you can send a fruits basket with a combination of different fruits. You can send a basket of apples (Galas, Braeburns or FUjis) and Sunkist oranges; apples and pears, or a combination of all three.
 
4. Fruit and Nut Basket:
Alternatively, you can send a box full of fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts, which may also reduce the risk of heart disease.  The basket is filled with apples, oranges, and pears along with dried figs, dried plums, pistachios and cashews.

5. Fruit and Cheese Baskets:
You can also send a fruit and cheese basket containing both fruits and delicious snacks.  You will find 2 juicy Sunkist oranges, 2 seasonal crisp apples (Gala, Braeburns or Fuji), 2 Anjou, Barlett, or Packham pears, Gouda cheese, summer salami, pepper water cracker, and chocolate truffles.  The basket is delightfully accented with colorful candies, and has all the food you need for picnicking outside or snacking indoors.  Your recipient would be thrilled to receive this thoughtful collection of premium fruit and gourmet treats.

6. Fruit and Snack Basket:
This sweet and fresh gift includes apples, pears, caramel popcorn with nuts, pistachios, cashews, dried fruit and nut mix and fruit candies. This basket has sweet treats along with fruits and nuts. 
  
7. Fruit and Treats Basket:
This basket contains fruits along with scrumptious gourmet treats. You will find 3 Pink Lady or Gala apples, 3 juicy Sunkist oranges, chocolate cookies, baby bundt cake, fruit jelly candies, caffeine-free fruit tea, toffee-chocolate Graham crackers, and double chocolate walnut brownies.

8. Get Well Fruit Basket:
Fruits baskets are great get well gifts.  For a friend or loved one who is ill, you can send a basket filled with fresh oranges, crisp apples, delectable chocolates and other tasty treats. The basket is filled with 2 Bosc pears, 1 D'Anjou Pear, 2 Juicy Sunkist Oranges, 3 Seasonal Crisp apples, Get Well coffee, spicy mustard, crackers, jelly beans, Swiss cheese triangles, fruit candies, and double chocolate cookies. This basket of healthy and delicious treats will help to cure all ills. 

In summary, fruit baskets are healthy gifts that can truly help the recipients to promote good health.  You can send a basket of apples or citrus fruits by themselves, or a fruits basket with a combination of different fruits, nuts or snacks.  Your recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness.