Fruits not only taste good but are packed with nutrition and health. The benefits of fruits are widely discussed and are considered full of vitamins and nutrients. Fruits if taken in moderation do no harm to you. But there are certain myths about fruits that should be addressed.
Highlights:
- Many false statements and myths about fruits circulate in our communities and online.
- Frozen and fresh fruits have the same nutritional value and can be eaten at any time of the day.
- It is better to eat raw fruits than to make their juice.
- Diabetics can pair fruits with rich fiber, fats, or proteins to enjoy fruits.
- It is totally safe to have fruits before bedtime.
Fruits are a healthy diet and have a lot of nutrients. Unfortunately, there are many inaccurate information and myths about fruits that are circulating in our communities and online. In this blog post, we will uncover the 6 common myths about fruits.
6 Common Myths About Fruits
Here are the 6 common myths about fruits along with the facts:
Myth 1: Frozen Fruits Aren’t Nutritious as Fresh Fruits
It is often believed that frozen fruits lack nutritional value as compared to fresh ones.
However, this is not true. Most of the time to keep the taste and nutrition preserved fruits are flash-frozen within a few hours of being picked, so don’t worry and eat healthy.
Moreover, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also confirms that frozen vegetables and fruits have the same nutrients and benefits as fresh vegetables and fruits.
Myth 2: Eat Fruit on an Empty Stomach
It is often believed that if the fruit is eaten along with meals it can cause indigestion and the body won’t absorb full nutrients from it. It is said that if you eat fruit with the meal then, the fruit sits in your stomach and causes indigestion and gas.
It is not true, that whether fruit is taken with or without any meal our stomach is designed to absorb nutrients from it. Eating fruit along with a meal can slow down digestion but does not completely stop it. It is a good thing because you feel more full for longer periods. So, eat fruits whenever you want to.
Myth 3: Drinking Fruit Juice is Healthy
Drinking fruit juice is healthy is a myth. Fruit juice has low nutritional value. When fruit is crushed it releases previously-contained sugar that can cause poor oral health. In addition, the juice of fruits lacks the element of fiber and is high in calories. Hence it’s better to take raw fruits and consume them whole.
Eating raw fruits is way healthier option than crushing a fruit to make juice. Julie Kramer said, “Juice is not a good option. People don’t want to hear it—but it’s the truth.”
Myth 4: Diabetics Can’t Enjoy Fruit
More than fruits carbohydrates often increase the sugar level in diabetic patients. If fruits are eaten empty stomach, then the sugar levels may rise quickly. However, fruit if eaten in moderation and along with a meal is good as it is packed with anti-oxidants.
If you pair fruits with a high protein, fat, or fiber meal then, your stomach slowly releases food into the small intestine. In addition, fiber in fruit helps the patient feel fuller for a long period and it adds taste to their meals.
Myth 5: Eat Fruits After 6 Hours of Waking Up
It is commonly said that the most optimal time is to eat fruits after 6 hours of waking up. It reactivates the digestive system. Moreover, it is believed that the metabolism slows down during the middle of the day and the sugar in the fruits boosts the metabolism.
But, it is not true. There isn’t any need to reactivate the digestive system. As it can digest food at any time of the day. If you eat large quantities of fruits, then the body can temporarily shift the blood flow to the digestive organs. But this doesn’t affect the metabolism rate at all.
The fruits can be eaten at any time of the day. But, keep in mind that, excess of everything is bad and moderation is the key.
Myth 6: Eating Fruits at Bedtime is Not Healthy
Some people think that eating fruits before bedtime can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. The body doesn’t stabilize sugar levels before sleeping and as a result, you gain weight and health issues. But that isn’t true at all!
This is a common myth. Because the body still functions and processes sugar even after sleeping. Therefore, fruits can be consumed as a healthy snack at night if taken in moderation. It is definitely better than the consumption of junk food at night.
Final Words
Well! Those were the 6 common myths about fruits that you hear all the time. As we have falsified those myths and provided you with the facts, so, start eating fruits at any time of the day. There isn’t any evidence that you should only eat fruits around meals or in the afternoon.
Fruits are nutritious and healthy way more than junk foods and can be eaten at any time of the day or night.
But if you have any medical condition, then it is advised to consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan before eating all fruits on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can We Eat Fruits Immediately After a Meal?
It is preferable to eat fruits after one hour of heavy meal.
2. Is it Fine to Eat an Apple at Night?
Apple has several nutrients, carbs, vitamins, and melatonin that can help in a good night’s sleep. However, the amount is not significant to help fall asleep. On the other hand, some studies suggest that eating apples at night can cause health concerns.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Eat Fruits?
If you do not eat fruits at all, then you might have vitamins, minerals, and nutrition deficiency. Moreover, your immunity can also be affected by not eating fruits.