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Nutrition

Is Fruit Bad For You?

Claire Muszalski
Registered Dietitian7 years ago
View Claire Muszalski's profile

Written by Charlotte Campbell

Is Fruit Bad For You?

Fruit and vegetables are often hailed as the healthiest things we can eat. They are packed with nutrients and natural sources of energy. We are often encouraged to get 5 portions of fruit and vegetables in a day.

 

But increasingly, there has been a backlash against fruit. Some diet plans actively discourage fruit outright, while other sources warn of eating too much. A lot of concern surrounding fruits is the sugar content. Many fruits are high in fructose, a natural sugar. But is this a reason to avoid the food group altogether? Or are these fruit fears baseless?

grapefruit

Fructose: The facts

 

Fructose is literally a fruit sugar. It bonds with glucose (sugar) and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream as you digest it. It is found in fruit, sugarcane, root vegetables and honey, as well as flowers and other plants.

Is Fructose in Other Products?

 

Yes, fructose is artificially added to juices and food products to sweeten them. This fructose is mostly derived from cane sugar. It is the sweetest natural carbohydrate and blends well with other sugars, so it is a common choice among manufacturers.

Can Fructose Cause Health Issues?

 

It would be very unlikely you would manage to eat enough fruit to cause a fructose-related health issue. The small doses that your liver gets through fruit can easily be processed, whereas an intense portion in a can of soft drink would not be processed as simply.

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Fruit: The Benefits

 

Fruits are packed with useful nutrients to help your body work efficiently. Vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants and water are all found in fruits.

Not only that, but their vibrant flavours can help to shake up a healthy diet if you’re ever in a rut.

Not only that, the sweet flavour of fruit can often curb a craving for something sugary. The fibre content of fruit makes it filling and satisfying as a snack or as part of a meal. So it is particularly useful for those who are controlling their calorie intake.

Will Fruit Affect My Workout Routine?

 

Fruit is often recommended prior to a workout to maximise results. Bananas, in particular, are a popular pre-workout choice. They are high in sugar and a source of complex carbohydrate, so they give you a sustainable boost of energy to keep you going as you exercise.

When you work out, the sugars and carbohydrates in fruits are converted by the body into energy, and ultimately, lean muscle. So the chances of a tub of grapes derailing your fitness plans are pretty slim. Next time you are heading to the gym, have a portion of fruit around 30 minutes before and see if it makes a positive impact on your routine.

 

Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.

Claire Muszalski
Registered Dietitian
View Claire Muszalski's profile

Claire is a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a board-certified Health and Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh.

Talking and writing about food and fitness is at the heart of Claire’s ethos as she loves to use her experience to help others meet their health and wellness goals.

Claire is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and loves the mental and physical boost she gets from regular runs and yoga classes. When she’s not keeping fit herself, she’s cheering on her hometown’s sports teams in Pittsburgh, or cooking for her family in the kitchen.

Find out more about Claire’s experience here.

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