Timing matters! Eat fruits at the right time to make the most of them

Can you go wrong with fruits? Can eating fruits make you gain weight? Can you really eat fruits at any time of the day? If we ask you all these questions, you might answer – ‘What’s the harm because eating fruits is always healthy?” Well, if this is your answer, you are WRONG! Truth be told, there is always a best time to eat fruits.

You must have heard the elderly in your home suggesting you to eat apples right in the morning and eat bananas somewhere during the afternoon. Well, they don’t say it just like that. There’s a logic to it.

Every fruit reacts differently in your body. But why does this happen and what’s the science behind this? We got in touch with a renowned dietician who reveals the science behind it. Come let’s learn from dietician Priya Palan, from Zen Multispeciality Hospital, how fruits can lead to even side effects if we don’t eat them at the right time.

How to determine the best time to eat fruits?

Fruits are a group of plant foods that vary greatly in the content of energy and nutrients. They are an important part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. They supply fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the diet and are sources of phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and anti-inflammatory agents.

There are many claims about eating fruit on an empty stomach. Let us learn how fruit behaves in our system.

Fruits have similar health benefits when consumed at any time of the day. However, people with diabetes or weight loss goals can benefit from the timing of the fruit. Fruits are a high sugar snack food that can raise blood sugar levels, so it is always better to eat them right in the afternoon or when you feel powerless.

“Certain fruits provide energy, so consuming them early in the day or before a workout could be a great idea to be active and get the best of natural sugars. Adding fruits too close to bedtime can lead to high sugar levels and affect sleep,” suggests Priya Palan.

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Weight watchers, if you really want to tame your weight, you have to do two things:

• One, choose your fruits correctly by picking which means picking those which are loaded with vitamin C
• Two, timing

Almost all fruits are high in fiber and take longer to digest as compared to simple carbohydrate foods. Fibre in the food slows down the progression of food through the digestive tract. This makes you feel fuller for a longer time and you end up avoiding unhealthy snacking. Snacking on fruits in-between can be a great idea for those who are on a transformational journey.

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Another thing is to balance your fruit intake with other condiments because just being on a fruit diet is not sustainable.

Here is the best time to eat some fruits for maximum benefits

Best fruits for breakfast: Oranges, apple, guava, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, acerola cherries, and lychee.

Best fruits for snacking: Banana and apple

Best fruits to eat at night: Cheeries, avocado, pineapples, oranges, and kiwi

It is also important that you include at least three different fruits in a day so as to stay healthy. Ensure that each of this fruit is loaded with different nutrients. Also, avoid juicing them because then you will lose out on all the essential fibre which you need to manage your weight.

“Moderation is the key to good health irrespective of the food we eat. Excess consumption of fruits can also lead to digestive issues and increase the sugar rush. So, practicing portion control is very important,” suggests Priya Palan.

So, time your fruits and stay healthy, forever!