Fruits occupy an intrinsic role in a balanced diet as they provide a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants to the body.
Most dieticians recommend that seasonal fruits of different types of colours must be included in the diet.
Amidst the tons of benefits that fruits provide, there are certain myths floating around, which need to be busted right away.
Here are some of the most common myths about fruits that you must know about.
1. Fruits are better eaten on an empty stomach
The most popular myth about fruits is that eating them on an empty stomach will maximise their benefits. Many people also say that having fruit along with a meal can cause gas and acidity. The least harm a fruit can do when eaten with a meal is slow down digestion a bit. The fibre content in fruits might tone down the digestion process but this won’t cause digestive problems.
You might have been nudged by your elders about not eating fruits before or after the meal, as this can reduce the benefit they provide to the body. The fact is that fruits will provide the same amount of nutrients, irrespective of when they are eaten.
2. Fruit juices are better
Fruit juices might be a good enough option to satiate your thirst, but they are in no way better than the whole fruits. While juicing out the fruit you eliminate its fibre content. This lowers the satiating power of the fruit and also takes away certain essential nutrients. You can have freshly squeezed juices once in a while, but it is always better to have fruit as a whole.
3. Fruits do not cause weight gain
Fruits might be your go-to options to snack on but you need to ensure that you don’t eat them in excess. Most fruits contain natural sugars in the form of fructose, whose excess intake can enlarge the liver. Thus, it is best to portion control your intake and include different seasonal fruits in your diet.
4. Fruits are an ideal meal
A large number of people skip their breakfast and grab a fruit or two to replace the meal. Many people believe that since fruits are healthy and nutritious, they can be had as a meal. There is no doubt in the fact that fruits are power-packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fibre, but they alone can’t be had for a meal, since they are digested quickly and might make you hungry within an hour or two. Thus, it is best to have a variety of fruits daily and fit them in between your meals.
