Answers (14)
3
I personally question the wisdom of cutting whole food groups out of my diet. It strikes me as being like "throwing the baby out with the bath water".
There is a huge difference between refined/processed sugar which is highly concentrated and devoid of nutrients and fiber - and fruit, which is loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber, plus the sugars are not concentrated. Add to this the fact that our bodies main fuel for energy is glucose! We need some sugars in our diet.
In the "for-whatever-it's-worth" department: blogger/researcher Matt Stone has had some very interesting results in raising his own and many other people's basal body temps using fruit (lots of it) in the morning. This would indicate a raise in metabolism. He is of the opinion that while "low-carb" may show some initial benefits, it ultimately depresses metabolic rate and is counter-productive in the long run. If you are interested in reading about his research, here is a link: http://www.180degreehealth.blogspot.com/
There is a huge difference between refined/processed sugar which is highly concentrated and devoid of nutrients and fiber - and fruit, which is loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber, plus the sugars are not concentrated. Add to this the fact that our bodies main fuel for energy is glucose! We need some sugars in our diet.
In the "for-whatever-it's-worth" department: blogger/researcher Matt Stone has had some very interesting results in raising his own and many other people's basal body temps using fruit (lots of it) in the morning. This would indicate a raise in metabolism. He is of the opinion that while "low-carb" may show some initial benefits, it ultimately depresses metabolic rate and is counter-productive in the long run. If you are interested in reading about his research, here is a link: http://www.180degreehealth.blogspot.com/
2
In principle, I agree with Jacquline. However, there's a question within the question: 'What is the goal of the woman asking the question?'
If the goal is fat loss, then it may be entirely acceptable to limit or temporarily eliminate fruit from the daily intake, for the same reasons that other high sugar items would be eliminated.
While it is true that fruit is superior to simple, processed sugars due to the increased water, fiber, and nutrient content, fructose does still elevate circulating insulin levels, encouraging energy storage. If the body is not in a state to utilize a dose of simple carbohydrate for replenishing glycogen stores, fruit sugars will be stored as fat.
Likewise, elevated insulin levels shuts down glucagon production, severely limiting the amount of stored bodyfat being released into the bloodstream to be used as energy.
To reiterate, I agree that entire nutrient categories should not be eliminated from a sensible nutrition program, but there are also instances where a short-term reduction of fruit intake could be beneficial for those seeking to optimize fat loss by reducing circulating insulin levels.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Andrew
If the goal is fat loss, then it may be entirely acceptable to limit or temporarily eliminate fruit from the daily intake, for the same reasons that other high sugar items would be eliminated.
While it is true that fruit is superior to simple, processed sugars due to the increased water, fiber, and nutrient content, fructose does still elevate circulating insulin levels, encouraging energy storage. If the body is not in a state to utilize a dose of simple carbohydrate for replenishing glycogen stores, fruit sugars will be stored as fat.
Likewise, elevated insulin levels shuts down glucagon production, severely limiting the amount of stored bodyfat being released into the bloodstream to be used as energy.
To reiterate, I agree that entire nutrient categories should not be eliminated from a sensible nutrition program, but there are also instances where a short-term reduction of fruit intake could be beneficial for those seeking to optimize fat loss by reducing circulating insulin levels.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Andrew
1
Don't think I could say it better than Jacquelyn. Yes, we all need fruit! God made each food source with a purpose for our bodies. If there are any foods we should stay away from, they are the man-made processed foods in the pretty paper & plastic packages.
1
Stephanie, I completely agree with you! "Did God make it for food?" is the foundational question I ask myself when it comes to food choices. It's the reason I ditched margarine in favor of butter about 25 years ago. There are so many things we have yet to learn about the human body. Sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - we try to micro-manage a complex system and end up throwing it out of balance.
1
I agree with Andrew on this.
It's interesting to note that fructose is not processed by the small intestine, but by the liver. Simply put, when an excess of fructose enters the liver, the liver can't process it quickly enough for the body to utilize it as sugar/energy. Instead, it starts making fats from the fructose and sending them into the bloodstream as triglycerides, and high triglycerides can contribute to a host of cardiovascular problems. This is one reason why the abundance of high-fructose corn syrup in our food supply is worrisome to me.
As a general rule, I recommend that clients consume any fruit in the morning, and with a source of healthy protein and/or fat to moderate the insulin response. I also advise them to keep portions in check - one medium apple, 1/2 cup of berries, etc. and to be familiar with the glycemic index of all of the food they regularly consume.
It's interesting to note that fructose is not processed by the small intestine, but by the liver. Simply put, when an excess of fructose enters the liver, the liver can't process it quickly enough for the body to utilize it as sugar/energy. Instead, it starts making fats from the fructose and sending them into the bloodstream as triglycerides, and high triglycerides can contribute to a host of cardiovascular problems. This is one reason why the abundance of high-fructose corn syrup in our food supply is worrisome to me.
As a general rule, I recommend that clients consume any fruit in the morning, and with a source of healthy protein and/or fat to moderate the insulin response. I also advise them to keep portions in check - one medium apple, 1/2 cup of berries, etc. and to be familiar with the glycemic index of all of the food they regularly consume.
0
No women should not cut fruit out of their diet. I am amazed at how many people are taking this approach yet will eat a frozen processed meal. Fruit in its natural state is easily processed by the body b/c it is all natural. Keep the fruit cut the stuff we cannot identify on food labels.
0
A lot of fruit are high in levels of fructose. Fructose is one of the constituents of providing glucose so supply energy to the body. Fruits, or fructose, the sugar from fruit will provide a good source of glucose for the body. I would rather eat more fruit as a source of my sugar as opposed to other foods that are subject to processing and refining. Also, the antioxidant benefits that come with many fruits is reason enough to eat more fruit. The protection from free radicals will help create a positive immunity as approximately 80% of immunity takes place in the gut. Therefore, I believe fruits are a great source of fuel and also provide numerous health benefits!
0
If I didn't have fruit in my house I would die! Start with Apples and go through the alphabet and at one time or another try them all! You will never need otc laxatives. Don't forget lots of water. Just my opinion, but if you are active it is better than all those processed, packaged, man made products. Then you have to throw away the package. BAD for the earth!
0
Phytonutrients in fruit are still being realized for health benefits, unless there is an allergy I would stick to a balanced diet and talk to a nutritionist.
0
I would answer this question with one of my own: Why wouldn't or shouldn't they? I would say "of course" with one simple caveat - if the person had some special dietary issues with fruit that caused health issues for them, but that caveat is NOT really gender dependent in my opinion.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
Fruits are an essential part of a nutritionally balanced diet. The sugar in fruits is natural, and while we should limit the amount of "added and processed" sugars in our diet, we should not cut out a food group, thus missing the other advantages of taking in fruits (fiber, water, etc.). It's interesting that people continue to cut out natural forms of real food, the start taking supplements to get what they would have gotten had they eaten that apple. Additionally, every time we stop eating whole nutritional food groups - and opting for supplements for what we're missing - we are feeding into the "fear of eating" - the actual activity of chewing and cues for satiety - which creates other issues.
I agree that unless there is a medical reason why someone cannot have ANY type of fruit - the cons of cutting out a whole food group far outweight the pros.
I agree that unless there is a medical reason why someone cannot have ANY type of fruit - the cons of cutting out a whole food group far outweight the pros.
0
I liked Nicholle's comment about adding protein and/or healthy fat. Fruit is part of a complete meal or a satisfying dessert. A good way to get in the habit: when you've finish a Chinese entree read your fortune, toss the cookie and eat an orange.
0
Hello Angela,
Eating fruit..absolutely! Cutting fruits out of ones daily caloric intake..not recommended as stated in prior posts unless advised by their physician for medical/health issues. However, I have had clients who focus more on fruits than vegetables for losing weight. Balanced nutrition is more important for long term health and fitness.
Sincerely,
Michael
Eating fruit..absolutely! Cutting fruits out of ones daily caloric intake..not recommended as stated in prior posts unless advised by their physician for medical/health issues. However, I have had clients who focus more on fruits than vegetables for losing weight. Balanced nutrition is more important for long term health and fitness.
Sincerely,
Michael
0
Fruit is a natural food-
The sugar controversy has warped peoples minds.
Eliminate "processed" foods, added sugars, high fructose corn syrups and eat FRUIT!!
The sugar controversy has warped peoples minds.
Eliminate "processed" foods, added sugars, high fructose corn syrups and eat FRUIT!!
