Fruit has become for some persona non grata in certain circles due to its sugar content. And if, for this reason, the only fruits you enjoy are lemons and limes, you’re missing the best Let’s calm your fears regarding the sugar content of the fruit.
Knowing the different types of carbohydrates and sugar is essential
With all the fad diets today that promote low carb intake, fruit has been wrongly positioned in the same category as foods whose carbohydrate content comes from added sugar. Nevertheless, not all carbohydrates are the same and too many people don’t understand this.
First of all, carbohydrates are not bad for you. In fact, they are necessary for the proper functioning of your body; Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of the three main nutrients found in the food and beverages we consume. The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is the key source of energy for the body’s cells, organs, and tissues.
When reading the nutrition label of any food, the amount of “total carbohydrates” is the sum of the three types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch and fiber. Each of these breaks down further; sugar, for example, can be added sugar (like the sweetener used in soda or cupcake frosting) or natural sugar (like the sugar found in fruit or milk, also known as fructose and lactose).
The distinction between natural and added sugar is extremely important, as the fruit absolutely qualifies as a nutrient-dense food. Added sugars and natural sugars they are completely different things and they are generally found in different types of food.
Added sugar does not have nutritional benefits, while sugar in a peach or pear comes along with a host of health benefits that are also found in the fruit pulp and skin (including vitamins, minerals, and fiber).
The benefits far outweigh any costs
While it is true that sugar can cause inflammation, again you should not lose sleep because of the sugar found in fruit. The fruits they are rich in antioxidants, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Fruit sugars do not cause inflammation in the body in the same way as added sugars.
For those who are still wary of fruit, 100 percent need not worry. In fact, if you don’t eat fruit consistently, you are decreasing the chance to get the important nutrients your body needs. This is because fruits are packed with nutritional benefits.
Vitamin C, for example, it is found in many fruits. It has antioxidant properties that can help maintain immune health and lower the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Secondly, vitamin A , which is also prevalent in fruits, has been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, as well as supporting bone and eye health. Likewise, the vitamin K, manganese and vitamin E They are also found in most fruits, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal function of the body’s systems. The fruit too it’s super moisturizing and contains important electrolytes such as potassium , which is necessary for kidney and cardiovascular function.
AND never forget fiber , something of which fruit is an excellent source. By now you probably know about fiber exercise, but if you need a quick refresher, most of us are not getting enough of this nutrient.
And since we are on the subject of sugar, remember that fiber helps slow down the absorption of fructose, the main type of sugar found in fruit, in the bloodstream. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes and drops. And because fiber plays an important role in digestive health (it keeps things moving smoothly, if you know what we mean), it is important to consume enough. Your intestinal microflora will thank you.
There are so many delicious fruits in season right now. Go grab a few pieces and enjoy them all!
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