The Fruit Dilemma

Ever wondered what the deal is with fruit? Society is pushing forward eating as much as we can because of its nutritional values and boosts of health benefits  every single day.

Often receiving the nickname of Mother Nature’s Candy, those knowing its sweet compounds are aware that there actually is a right time to eat fruit. 

There is a lot of confusion – and misinformation – about eating fruit. Associated with being loaded with vitamins and minerals, the concept of eating fruit all throughout the day to boost our health markers to better standards has been woven into our society. The questions our coaches receive when nutrition comes into play often include the consumption of different kinds of fruit and what benefits their training schedule.

Although we are surrounded by fruit year-round, it hasn’t always been the case. Prior to the industrial revolution, it was Mother Nature which determined when it was the time for a fruity meal. With the sun as the main energy source, the majority of most well-known fruit sources bloomed in abundance during the summer months. Our bodies were attuned to what nature delivered every 12 months before a new cycle arrived. And logically thinking, it makes sense; try to find a fruit plantation blooming in abundance during the winter months! 

Particularly here in South-East Asia, the abundance of fruit options is plentiful and can be found on almost every street corner. Yet, we tend to forget that the majority of fruits still contain sugars in the form of fructose, better known as “fruit sugars”. A composite that may raise cholesterol levels, the advantage compared to normal table sugar (sucrose) is that it does not rise immediately.

While the fructose in lower dosage is not harmful to overall health (depending on the individual), there is indeed the best time to get those micronutrients into your body. When eager to add some fruit to your diet, we highly recommend adding fruit to your diet right after exercise (when your glucose levels are fairly drained and ready to be replenished). Or right after having a meal (not to spike your insulin levels even further).

If the fruit is really your thing, the best thing to consume is not by squeezing it into juice form but as a whole. The higher content of fiber in non-squeezed versions of your favourite fruit (mix) may add to gaining health benefits. If you are a fruit juice fan, there is no better way to max out your vitamin and mineral intake than by making it fresh at home.

Cutting through the abundance of information, might be easier with the help of a nutrition coach. It’s a lot more simple when you have the expertise to support you, cut through the confusion and help you develop a customized approach based on your specific needs.