THE common notion on fruits is they are for dessert and should be eaten after meals. But nutritionists say fruits should be eaten before meal or on empty stomach.

Fruits, when eaten on empty stomach become alkaline and this will help cleanse and detoxify the body and will give you a radiant look.

Mastering the correct manner of eating fruits is the key to beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

Drink fruit juice that are fresh and not from the can. Do not drink juice that has been heated nor eat cooked fruits because the import nutrients are destroyed. You only get the taste and cooking it razed all the vitamins.

Should you drink the juice, do it mouthful by mouthful slowly. You must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.

Here are some fruits that are helpful to your fruit diet:

* Kiwi.  Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

* Apple. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Though less with vitamin C, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby lowering the risk of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.

* Strawberry. Also known as protective fruit because strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

* Orange. Two to four oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

* Watermelon. Coolest thirst quencher, watermelon composed of 92 percent water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Watermelons are also a good source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon is Vitamin C and potassium.

* Guava and papaya. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes.

Researchers said that drinking cold water after meal could lead to cancer. Though it is refreshing to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff of the food which slows digestion.

Once this reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.