Debunking fruit myths: Enjoy your favorite fruits any time of day
Right now, we are enjoying the widest selection of fresh fruits. The market stalls are overwhelming; everything is tempting, delicious, and colorful. But can we eat them freely, even if we are watching our waistline? Is it true that it's best to eat them only before noon?
It's often said that fruits are healthy and packed with vitamins, but there's one detail to consider. They contain a lot of sugar, especially during a weight loss diet; eating them only in the morning is often recommended. Some extreme opinions even claim that fruits consumed in the evening will "rot" in the stomach and be poorly digested. Is this true? No!
Blame it on fructose
Dr. Damian Parol, fortunately for all fruit lovers, decided to debunk these myths. First, he emphasized that not all fruits should be treated the same way, as they contain different amounts of fructose. Apples, mangoes, and dates have more fructose than citrus fruits, blueberries, and apricots. However, these are still low amounts compared to sweet drinks or candy bars. Dr. Parol also mentions that studies have shown that only 1% of consumed fructose is converted into fatty acids. Therefore, consuming enough fructose to quickly and noticeably increase body fat levels would be challenging.
Time of day doesn’t matter
The dietician believes that fruits can be eaten at any time of the day and are even beneficial. They have low energy density, so when we need fewer calories in the evening, they can be a perfect choice. Sometimes, people experience bloating after eating fruits in the afternoon. However, most of us feel good after eating them. Therefore, it's better to take full advantage of the fruit season and not believe in dietary myths.