Are all fruits good for you or should you limit certain ones?
Is Fruit Sugar Bad for You?
It’s common knowledge that added sugar could be harmful in excessive amounts.
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However, fruits naturally contain sugar called fructose, and the difference betweennatural sugars and added sugarscan be confusing.
Fruits are generous in good-for-you nutrients.
Many people with diabetes think they have to avoid fruit.
But each one offers a wealth of nutrition that you’re missing out on by neglecting them.
Watermelon
As one of the heaviest fruits out there, this mouthwatering summertime staple offers many must-have nutrients.
Watermelon is chock-full of antioxidants like lycopene, which is responsible for its pinkish-red color.
Lycopene is a carotenoid that your body can’t make on its own and must get from food.
In other words, it can help protect against heart disease.
And lycopene may even help protect you from getting diabetes, per a 2020 review inPharmacological Research.
Potassium and calcium are also found in reasonable amounts in watermelon.
In-season watermelon bursts with its signature flavor.
Enjoy this hydrating fruit simply with a squeeze of lime.
Oranges
Oranges are famously known as the go-tosource of vitamin Cand rightfully so.
Vitamin C is one of the vitamins that also acts as an antioxidant.
It protects against harmful pathogens by strengthening the skin’s natural barriers.
It also shields the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can wreak havoc on your health.
Oranges are also a natural source of folate for brain and nerve health.
Opt for whole oranges over orange juice to reap the fruit’s fiber benefits.
Mangoes offer a smooth, sweet and tropical flavor sure to awaken your taste buds.
Bring the tropics to your kitchen with ourMango & Spinach SmoothieorShrimp with Mango & Basilrecipes.
Pineapples
Who needs an air freshener when you have fruit?
And not only is pineapple full of antioxidants, but it packs folate, potassium and calcium too.
Another perk of pineapple is that it contains an enzyme called bromelain, which aids your gut with digestion.
Bromelain also helps break down protein, making it a great meat tenderizer.
For this reasonand because it adds a fruity tropical flavorpineapple juice is a great ingredient to include in marinades.
), which has the same outcome.
This is why canned pineapple doesn’t have that same stinging effect as fresh does.
But their potassium isn’t the onlyreason you should eat bananas.
They’ve been associated with reduced risk of chronic disease and a healthy heart and weight.
Unripe bananas are an excellent source of resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that feeds your beneficial gut bacteria.
And a healthy balance of gut bacteria means better overall health.
Bananas are easily portable for an on-the-go snack.
But if you’re tired of simply peeling and eating, get creative by making thesefun breakfast recipesorhealthy desserts.
Grapes
Often vilified for their sugar content, we couldn’t end our list without including grapes.
Grapes offer vitamin K and potassium, per theUSDA.Vitamin Kis necessary for strong bones, heart and brain.
Atherosclerosis is a form of heart disease and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
And that’s not all.
Make each of these fruits a sweet part of a healthy, balanced diet.
