Before Or After Meals? Know When Is The Best Time To Eat Fruits

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, fruits come with multiple health benefits. They are a storehouse of energy and are recommended for those who wish to switch to a healthy diet. From weight loss to healthy skin to better digestion, fruits are linked to several health issues. The question arises, is there a right time to have them for maximum benefit? Read on to know when and how you should consume your fresh fruits to gain optimum benefit.

Fruits Before Meals?

While fruit is a zero calorie meal, which is recommended for people of all ages, it tends to reap better results if consumed at specific intervals. Eating them before meals can hamper your hunger and might lead you to eat less. This can further trigger hunger pangs within a few hours, which might force you to eat junk. Thus, it is suggested that you refrain from eating or drinking anything 30 minutes before your meal, so that you have a proper and balanced food intake.

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Fruits After Meals?

If you are habitual of eating fruits with or after meals, you need to stop that habit right away. Consumption of fruits right after meals is often disregarded by experts, due to a number of reasons. They might not get digested properly, when eaten after meals, and some specific fruits can even cause stomach ache.

Many people recommend eating fruits before and after a strenuous workout. Having specific fruits like banana, mango, guava and berries, can fill you up with energy. If taken before workout they can give you the much needed push in the form of increased stamina. On the other hand, if taken after workout they can replenish the lost energy.

You can safely have fruits in between your two meals. Combining 2-3 different fruits with lemon juice and rock salt can also aid digestion and ensure proper utilisation of fibres.

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Best Time To Eat Fruits

If possible, eat fruits early in the morning, on an empty stomach. They can be eaten before breakfast and should be the first meal of your day. Have a bowl of fruits along with a glass of water, which will help in quickly digesting them. Fruits have essential antioxidants, which when eaten early in the morning, can help in getting rid of the toxins present in the body.

Fruits are probably the best snacks you can have to satiate your cravings. While being low on calories and high on fibre, they can be your daily dose of essential nutrients.

It is recommended that you at least have three different varieties of fruits, throughout the day. Seasonal fruits of different colours are recommended to fulfill the vitamin deficiencies in the body

Worst Time To Eat Fruits

Nighttime is the worst time to have any kind of fruit. It not only disturbs the sleeping pattern but can also take longer to digest. Having fruits before bed can cause a sudden spike in your blood glucose level, which can be harmful for diabetics. If you are suffering from diabetes, you must maintain a window of 1-2 hours between your meals and fruit consumption. Diabetics also need to manage their portion size and always consult a dietician, to know the type of fruits they can eat.

Try inculcating different fruits in your diet and schedule them according to your meal patterns. Gorge on your favourite fruits this summer season, but make sure you keep the above given tips in mind.

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