4 Ways We Eat Fruit That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think

Sweetness, texture, and flavor make nearly every fruit an enticing delight. Moreover, fruit is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, so consuming “nature’s candy” can also improve health.

At least the majority of the time. The health benefit somewhat depends on the mode of administration.

Fruit is frequently presented to you in non-natural forms, such as canned, frozen, dehydrated, or bottled juice.

“When you open a can, a cup, or a bag to eat a serving of fruit, it may not be as healthy as you believe,” dietician says.

Therefore, dietician suggests the following:

Describing Here Topics “4 Ways We Eat Fruit That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think”

Minimize eating dried fruit

Let’s commence with the fact that dried produce has many positive qualities. To begin with, it is a shelf-stable alternative to fresh produce, making it much simpler to transport. (Therefore, it is a prevalent ingredient in trail mixtures.)

Similarly to fresh fruit, dried fruit contains essentially the same amount of nutrients. Researchers have discovered that those who routinely consume dried produce have a healthier diet overall.

So, what is the issue? It all comes down to serving size and sugar content.

The drying process removes the majority of the fruit’s water content. A dietician explains that the water (and fiber) in fruit are what contribute to satiety. Subtract the water and it becomes very simple to consume more than is healthy.

“Think of it in terms of grapes and raisins,” she continues. “If you consume fifteen grapes, it will seem like a lot of sustenance. Now imagine consuming fifteen figs. This will have a completely distinct vibe.”

The dehydrating procedure concentrates the fruit’s natural sugars. Therefore, when you consume desiccated fruit, a large number of sugar-heavy calories reach your system rapidly. (It is also problematic that many dehydrated fruit products contain added sugar.)

Dietitian: “It simply means we need to be mindful when consuming dried fruit.” In the absence of caution, it is easy to consume too much sugar and excessive portions.

Avoid fruit canned in syrup

When purchasing fruit in a can, the Dietitian recommends becoming an avid label reader. What’s the reason? You should purchase fruit canned in water or 100 percent juice as opposed to hefty or light syrup.

Typically, the syrups in which tinned fruit swims are laden with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, both of which are high-calorie sweeteners that should be avoided.

Limit juice and smoothies

It’s important to exercise moderation when it comes to fruit juice and smoothies because drinking fruit is different from consuming it.

According to Dietician, both beverages are surrounded by unwarranted health benefits. The reality? The sugar content of 100% fruit juice and store-bought smoothies is comparable to that of beverages.

It is also simple to consume too much sugar. A glass of orange juice contains approximately 23 grams of sugar, which is close to the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.

As for store-bought smoothies, depending on the ingredients added to enhance their flavor, they can be utter sugar explosions. (Making smoothies at home gives you more control over this aspect.)

Dietitian: “Fruit juice and smoothies pack a lot of sugar into a single glass.” This can add up to a large number of calories and a rapid influx of sugar that your body does not require. Moderation is essential.”

Check frozen fruit for sugar

Notice a pattern thus far? Indeed, avoiding added sugar is paramount. Fruit already has a comparatively high sugar content, so adding refined sugar to it is essentially equivalent to adding meaningless calories.

Thus, we arrive at cold produce. “It is not uncommon for something to have a sugar coating to improve its flavor,” says a dietician.

Check the label when purchasing frozen blueberries, strawberries, or other produce for added sugars. (Another indicator that the product contains more than just fruit is if it is labeled “sweetened.”)

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Bottom line? Eat whole fruit

If you have the option, always choose fresh, whole fruit. Dietician: “It’s always going to be your best option.” (Here are six fruits recommended by a dietitian that are both delicious and nutritious.)

However, there is a reality to existence. Occasionally, fresh produce is inconvenient or unavailable. In this case, consume desiccated fruit or beverage to adhere to dietary recommendations. (The United States Department of Agriculture recommends consuming approximately 2 servings of produce per day.)

Dietician advises, “Know what you’re eating and pay attention to portion sizes.” “Eating any fruit is beneficial, but some are superior to others.”

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