Health News
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
Fruit is one of nature?s perfect carbohydrates ? filled with fiber, water, and nutrients. With naturally-occurring fruit sugar (fructose), it?s also referred to as ?nature?s candy,? perfect for taming a sweet-tooth.
Nowadays, there seems to be a big debate about the health benefits of fruit. So what could be bad? As with all things in nature, moderation is key ? and too much, or too little consumption of fruit can each pose problems. Weight Watchers (WW) recently proclaimed fruit a ?free food,? while Atkins and other ?low-carb? diet plans strictly limit fruit intake.
Replacing a slice of apple pie with an apple, saves your about 300 calories ? a great idea. However, munching on 4 extra apples a day (that?s about 400 calories), in addition to your daily food intake might be healthy, but can impair your weight loss effort. Even healthy calories count when it comes to weight loss!
And don?t confuse diabetic requirements with those of healthy people. Diabetics need to limit dietary sugars of all types, include that found in fruit, so the balance of fruit and vegetables is different, with some limitation (but not exclusion) of fruit.
The best health advice is to aim for a mixture of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. But that?s hard for many people. If you?re way below that number, take a small step ? and just add one serving a day. When it comes to fruit, some is better than none!
And don?t forget to always eat your fruit and not drink it!. Even 100% juice is lacking many of the natural benefits of fruit, especially the fiber.
What are your thoughts on fruit?
- Poll: Only 23% Of Kentuckians Say They Eat Recommended Daily Portions Of Fruits And Vegetables; Cost And Location May Be Factors
Only 23 percent of Kentuckians eat the recommended daily portions of fruits and vegetables, and cost and accessibility of food may be factors, according to a recent statewide poll. Fruit and vegetable consumption can decrease a person's chance of...
- Just Say No To Liquid Calories
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Why do we always hear so much about ?cutting liquid calories? for a healthier diet? It?s because most of these sources contain loads of calories without any nutritional benefit. Liquid calories are a hidden source of sugars (and...
- Have A Very ?berry? Summer
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We?re all familiar with the USDA recommendations to eat about 2 cups of fruit per day. If that sounds daunting to you, summer might just be the perfect time to boost your fresh fruit intake with berries. While pricey most of the...
- Where?s The Fiber?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom If you seem to be finding fiber in every product you look at, you?re right! Fiber is being added to all kinds of foods ? from yogurts, to juices, fruit chews, cookies, cottage cheese, and white bread. Even whole grains get an...
- "juice" And Hydration Facts
Drink till you float. Water that is, NOT Juice! Welch?s 100% "No Sugar Added" Grape Juice has MORE sugar (fructose) than a 12 ounce can of soda! Not to mention that grapes are one of the most pesticide-filled fruits. Sally Fallon NOURISHING TRADITIONS:...
Health News
The Truth About Fruit
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
Nowadays, there seems to be a big debate about the health benefits of fruit. So what could be bad? As with all things in nature, moderation is key ? and too much, or too little consumption of fruit can each pose problems. Weight Watchers (WW) recently proclaimed fruit a ?free food,? while Atkins and other ?low-carb? diet plans strictly limit fruit intake.
Replacing a slice of apple pie with an apple, saves your about 300 calories ? a great idea. However, munching on 4 extra apples a day (that?s about 400 calories), in addition to your daily food intake might be healthy, but can impair your weight loss effort. Even healthy calories count when it comes to weight loss!
And don?t confuse diabetic requirements with those of healthy people. Diabetics need to limit dietary sugars of all types, include that found in fruit, so the balance of fruit and vegetables is different, with some limitation (but not exclusion) of fruit.
The best health advice is to aim for a mixture of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. But that?s hard for many people. If you?re way below that number, take a small step ? and just add one serving a day. When it comes to fruit, some is better than none!
And don?t forget to always eat your fruit and not drink it!. Even 100% juice is lacking many of the natural benefits of fruit, especially the fiber.
What are your thoughts on fruit?
- Poll: Only 23% Of Kentuckians Say They Eat Recommended Daily Portions Of Fruits And Vegetables; Cost And Location May Be Factors
Only 23 percent of Kentuckians eat the recommended daily portions of fruits and vegetables, and cost and accessibility of food may be factors, according to a recent statewide poll. Fruit and vegetable consumption can decrease a person's chance of...
- Just Say No To Liquid Calories
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Why do we always hear so much about ?cutting liquid calories? for a healthier diet? It?s because most of these sources contain loads of calories without any nutritional benefit. Liquid calories are a hidden source of sugars (and...
- Have A Very ?berry? Summer
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We?re all familiar with the USDA recommendations to eat about 2 cups of fruit per day. If that sounds daunting to you, summer might just be the perfect time to boost your fresh fruit intake with berries. While pricey most of the...
- Where?s The Fiber?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom If you seem to be finding fiber in every product you look at, you?re right! Fiber is being added to all kinds of foods ? from yogurts, to juices, fruit chews, cookies, cottage cheese, and white bread. Even whole grains get an...
- "juice" And Hydration Facts
Drink till you float. Water that is, NOT Juice! Welch?s 100% "No Sugar Added" Grape Juice has MORE sugar (fructose) than a 12 ounce can of soda! Not to mention that grapes are one of the most pesticide-filled fruits. Sally Fallon NOURISHING TRADITIONS:...