5 Fruits That Are Low in Carbs
By Paul Rothbart
When it comes to choosing foods for a healthy diet, you can't do any better than fruit. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, any fruit you can think of is good for your health. People who are concerned about carbohydrates and are trying to limit them may need to be a little more discerning when choosing fruit. Many do contain considerable carbs. There are many fruits that provide nutrition with fewer carbohydrates. Here are five to consider.
Blackberries
Berries in general are good fruits for this category and blackberries rank high on the list. There are only four grams of carbs in a half-cup serving of blackberries. They are also high in soluble fiber. This type of fiber has been shown to lower both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also aids digestion and helps you feel full to reduce cravings for snacks.
Strawberries
Strawberries are also excellent low-carb fruit. They, too, have soluble fiber as well as folate, manganese, and potassium. Strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C, an important nutrient and antioxidant that helps the immune system. A half-cup of strawberries has only eight grams of carbs while providing nearly 80 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C.
Tomatoes
Although generally thought of as a vegetable, tomatoes belong to the fruit family. They also contain plenty of Vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant lycopene. In fact, tomatoes are one of the highest lycopene-rich foods there. Additionally, they are a low-carb fruit.
Avocados
Yet another fruit that many people think of as a vegetable, avocados are incredibly healthy, low-carb foods. There is only half-gram of carbs in two tablespoons. That same serving has five grams of healthy fat. Research has linked foods with low carbs and high healthy fat levels to reduce risks of high blood pressure and diabetes. Avocados also have fiber, folate, and Vitamins C and K.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are popular in sweet and savory dishes, in beverages, and in addition to being eaten raw. Some are sweet and some are tart but all are loaded with nutrition and low in carbs. Lemons and limes in particular have plenty of Vitamin C and other nutrients with only 4-5 carbs in a serving. When using the juice as a flavoring, you consume much less than a full serving and get even fewer carbs. Citrus fruits are among the healthiest.
Any good nutritionist will tell you that fruit is a must for a healthy diet. For those concerned about the number of carbs they consume, these five types of fruit will provide plenty of nutrition while helping you limit your carbohydrate intake.
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