When is the best time to eat fruit?

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When is the best time to eat fruit is a matter of great concern. It is for this reason that there are many misconceptions about when is the best time to eat fruit, one of which is the notion that eating fruit after a meal will lose the nutritional value of fruit. .

1. The truth of myths about when is the best time to eat fruit?

There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition being shared and spread on the internet, in which, the most popular one is the topic of when is the best time to eat fruit.
There are shares about when and how to eat fruit properly. However, there are misconceptions about this. Before finding the exact answer about when is the best time to eat fruit, let's uncover the truth about these myths below.

1.1 Myth 1 - Eating fruit the right way is eating on an empty stomach

Eating fruit the right way is to eat it on an empty stomach, is one of the common misunderstandings. The cause of this false belief is that some people think that eating fruit with meals will slow down digestion, so food stays in the stomach longer, if not digested, they can can be fermented and cause bloating, flatulence.
The truth is that fruit is high in fiber and fiber slows down the metabolism of food through the digestive tract, but eating fruit the right way is not eating on an empty stomach. Fiber is an important part of all diets and promotes gut health. The fact that fiber slows down digestion will help people feel fuller for longer.
And even if fruits stay in the stomach for a longer time than usual, they have no chance of rotting due to the stomach's ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth. In the acidic environment of the stomach, most microorganisms are not able to grow.

1.2 Myth 2 - Eating fruit after a meal or before reduces or loses its nutritional value

In addition to slowing digestion, mistakenly eating fruit after a meal or before can reduce or lose the nutritional value of fruit.
The truth is that the human body, in which the stomach and small intestine can absorb the maximum nutrients from the fruit. Eating fruit before or after a meal has nothing to do with the nutritional absorption of this food.

1.3 Myth 3 - People with diabetes should eat fruit after meals or before 1-2 hours

Many information shared on the internet recommend that people with diabetes should eat fruit after meals or 1-2 hours before meals to limit digestive problems.
The truth is that to date there is no scientific evidence that digestion can be improved when people with diabetes eat fruit that is not close to a meal. Even eating fruit at a time not with a meal can make the sugar in the fruit go into the blood faster in people with diabetes.
To reduce the effect of fruit on blood sugar, the right way to eat fruit for people with diabetes is to combine fruit with foods rich in protein or fat. Along with the fiber in fruit, the protein and fat in other foods slow sugar down the small intestine and into the bloodstream.
However, it is also true that people with diabetes often have digestive problems if they eat fruit before or after a meal, that is gastroparesis. This condition occurs when the stomach is slow or not empty at all.

1.4 Myth 4 - Eat fruit properly and it is best to eat it in the afternoon

Many people mistakenly believe that the right way to eat fruit is to eat it in the afternoon to absorb more nutrients from the fruit, because the afternoon is the time when the metabolism slows down, when the sugar in the fruit is absorbed and stimulates the digestive system.
The truth is that blood sugar can rise when we eat any food containing carbohydrates.
The human body is always ready to work as soon as food is introduced into the body, no matter what time of day. Therefore, the right way to eat fruit is not only in the afternoon but also in the morning. At any time of the day, fruit is healthy for most people.

1.5 Myth 5 - The right way to eat fruit is not to eat it after 2 pm

Contrary to myth 4 above, many people believe that fruits should be avoided after 2 pm because they increase blood sugar, leading to weight gain.
The truth is that there is no evidence that after 2pm or any other time of the day blood sugar levels are higher.
On the contrary, eating fruit the right way is to eat as much fruit as possible and eat it at any time of the day. Eating a lot of green vegetables and fruits during the day will help you lose weight while still providing the necessary nutrients.
If we avoid fruit in the afternoon and before bed, that means we will tend to eat other desserts that can provide more energy, and this is the real cause of weight gain .

1.6 Myth 6 - Eating fruit properly is not eating before going to bed

Some mistakenly believe that eating fruit hours before bed can disrupt the sleep cycle.
The truth is that compared to other foods, especially processed foods, eating fruit before bed is less likely to interfere with sleep. It is advisable to avoid sugary and processed foods before bed, as they can cause energy levels to rise and fall rapidly.
Instead, eating fruits properly before going to bed can help limit cramps, sleep better, relax the body, such as bananas, apricots or dates.

2. When is the best time to eat fruit?

With the above myths, we can see that any time of the day is suitable to eat fruit. Fruit is a healthy, nutritious and beneficial food for weight loss, we can eat fruit all day. However, for people who want to lose weight, patients with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, eating fruit in the right way at the right time has better effects and limits possible bad conditions.

2.1 People who want to lose weight should eat fruit when is the best?

Studies have shown that fruits with high fiber content help keep us full and make us eat less. This is an effective way to lose weight.
Therefore, eating fruit before or during a meal is a great way to lose weight and limit the intake of foods that contain more calories.

2.2 People with type 2 diabetes should eat fruit when best?

People with type 2 diabetes should eat fruit before, during, after a meal or can eat it with another food to slow down the passage of sugar into the small intestine.
See also: Fruits for diabetics: Things to know

2.3 When is the best time to eat fruit for people with gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause carbohydrate intolerance, known as gestational diabetes. Similar to people with type 2 diabetes, eating fruit with meals is a good choice to slow down blood sugar.
However, pregnant women with diabetes should be careful to avoid eating fruit in the morning if it is not possible to control blood sugar because pregnancy hormones increase the highest, leading to the most severe carbohydrate intolerance often occurring in the morning. .
Fruit is good for almost everyone. It is good to eat fruit after a meal, before or during a meal or at any time of the day. Fruit is an easy, healthy and delicious way to lose weight, but still ensures many essential nutrients. However, for people with diabetes or those who want to lose weight, they should note the time to eat fruit to promote the useful effects of this food.

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References: .medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com