Should You Eat More Fresh Fruit?
By Lana Bandoim
Fresh fruit is delicious and refreshing, but it is also filled with sugar. Many people who are on a diet are warned to avoid fruit because of the high sugar content. However, others hear that fruit is a healthy part of any diet. Should you eat more fruit or avoid it?
Fruit and Sugar
Although fresh fruit has fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it also has sugar. Whether you are on a diet to lose weight or control diabetes, limiting sugar is important. Apples, oranges, strawberries and other popular options have calories and carbohydrates.
Most fresh fruit has a low glycemic level. However, fructose can be high in fruit. This type of sugar has to be processed by the liver and can be turned into fat over time. Eating too much fruit can affect weight loss goals and make it harder to maintain a steady number on the scale.
Fruit and Nutrients
Most people do not get enough vitamins and minerals from food during the day. Fresh fruit can provide a variety of nutrients ranging from Vitamin C to calcium. Fruit is also a good source of potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid.
If you are not struggling to lose weight or diabetic, then eating fresh fruit can help fill in nutritional gaps in the diet. There are multiple health benefits from eating fruit, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Fresh Fruit vs. Other Types
An important part of the debate about eating more fruit involves the type of food that is consumed. Fresh fruit is a healthier option compared to canned fruit. The canned versions tend to have more sugar and additional preservatives. Frozen fruit is another option, and it is generally considered healthy. However, frozen fruit may be affected by freezer burn and flavor problems.
Moderation
Moderation is the key to enjoying fresh fruit on a diet. In addition, the type of fruit you select to eat also matters. Consider eating an apple instead of a mango because it has more sugar. Bananas, cherries and grapes also tend to have higher sugar levels. Apricots, limes, raspberries and cranberries have less sugar.
If you have diet questions, then consider talking to a doctor or nutritionist. They can provide more information about fresh fruit and other food options that can affect your health. Remember to enjoy fresh fruit in moderation.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alexandria, Va.