Fruits are nature’s bounty packed with a chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that forms a key part of a wholesome diet plan. Being low on calories and high in dietary fiber consuming them regularly is one of the best possible ways to optimize overall health and well-being.

Regular addition of seasonally available fresh fruits renders a positive impact on health, lower weight, control unwanted hunger pangs, support digestion, boost immunity, triggers metabolism and keeps diseases at bay. Additionally, the natural sugar in fruits serves as a healthy tweak for sweet cravings.
Mom and daughter holding apples in their hands

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and half-baked news about fruits circulating on social media and the internet. There are several famous myths claiming that there are optimal times for fruit intake. Well, no matter the time of day, eating fruit is a nutritious and sweet way to fuel the body with a wealth of nutrients.

Also Read: 6 Amazing Fruits To Lead A Healthy Life - Infographic

Let’s reveal the truth behind some of the common claims about fruits in this article.

Myth 1:

You don’t get all the essential nutrients from fruits if you eat them with a meal

Fact:

The digestive system is very potential at absorbing nutrients from food. Usually while eating, the stomach releases a little amount of food at a time so that the intestine has the chance to absorb most of the nutrients as possible. The intestine has ample time to absorb nutrients from food during the digestion process. Thus, it means the digestive system can efficiently assimilate the nutrients from the fruits you take, whether you have with a meal.

Myth 2: 

Fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach

Fact:

Fruits being rich in dietary fiber may slow down the release of food from the stomach, but they do not slow down the digestion process, thus there is no fact to its claimed effect. Moreover, fiber in fruits keeps you satiated for a longer period, support digestion, and help you to cut down on calories. Well, you can relish on seasonally available fresh fruits during any time in the day.

Myth 3:

Diabetes should eat fruit 1–2 hours before or after meals

Fact:

Yes, diabetic patients should be more cautious about the time they consume fruits, so as to keep their blood sugar levels under control.  Most fruits are naturally high in sugars and may surge blood sugar levels. Thus, remember to keep a gap of two hours after meals and a gap of one hour before meals when you eat some fruit.

Myth 4:

The best time of day to eat fruit is the afternoon

Fact:

There is no evidence or logic to support this claim. Fruits are always considered healthy and nutritious food no matter what time it is consumed for all healthy persons.

Also Read: 5 Best Fruits That Helps You To Lose Weight -Infographic

Myth 5:

You should not eat fruit before sleeping

Fact:

The body does not alter from burning calories to storing them as fat when a person sleeps. There is no evidence to support the claim that consuming fruits at specific times of the day varies weight gain.

Several pieces of evidence reveal that it is essential to add 2 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables in a day to reduce fat percentage and decrease the likelihood of weight gain. Alternating junk and other processed foods for fruits and vegetables are one of the best things one can do to manage weight and maintain health. Adding fruit is a perfect way to meet all demands of nutrients, all while having a balanced calorie intake.