Five myths about fruits you should stop believing right now
Fruits are nutritious and filling, no questioning that. They are popular for their many health benefits. But there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding their consumption. From "avoid it if you are a diabetic," to "don't eat them before bed," here are top five myths about fruits that you should stop believing already.
It is generally believed that since our metabolism rate decreases around midday, eating foods rich in sugar like fruits helps raise the blood sugar levels, thus 'activating' one's digestive system. But the truth is that our digestive system is able to digest food anytime, with or without fruits. So, no matter the time of the day, fruits are good for your health.
Some people tend to believe that eating fruits before bed, could lead to weight gain since they increase blood sugar levels. But the truth is that just like other times of the day, our body keeps burning fat during night time as well. So, you can really go about eating fruits any time you like, without having to worry about becoming fat.
It's a myth that diabetics shouldn't eat fruits since they are "too sweet." Because, that is not how it works. Contrary to common belief, fruits do not dramatically raise our blood glucose levels as they have low to medium glycemic indices. In fact, a balanced intake of fruits and veggies, since both are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, can help you manage diabetes.
Compared to juices, whole fruits contain more fiber and phytonutrients. Additionally, fruits are low on calorie count. Further, juices lack fruit skin, that is loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and fruit pulp (the main source of fruit fiber). If that's not enough, fruit juice may also contain added sugars, colors, or preservatives, which are bad for health. So, avoid juices- go for whole fruits.
Many people believe that since fruits are low in calories, you can have as many of them as possible. Well, the truth is no. Since fruits contain simple sugars and a fair share of calories, these could lead to weight gain, if and when eaten in excess. Remember that moderation is the key. So, eat your fruits, just be careful of the portions.
