HealthFresh fruits reign supreme: Your best defence against disease

Fresh fruits reign supreme: Your best defence against disease

Fruits in syrup are loaded with sugar.
Fruits in syrup are loaded with sugar.
Images source: © Getty Images | Max Zilberman

3 October 2024 16:33

Incorporating fruits into your daily diet is extremely important. However, it's crucial to focus on fresh fruits and avoid those that are dried, fried, or covered in sweet syrup. Fruits in these forms are calorie-dense, and regular consumption can increase the risk of serious diseases.

Fruits are a rich source of antioxidants. These substances protect our bodies from the harmful effects of free radicals, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, consuming them is crucial for cancer immunity.

Fruits are a great source of vitamins

The presence of fibre in fruits is an additional advantage. It aids in digestion by acting like a broom inside the intestines, removing lingering food remnants. Fibre helps prevent the development of colon cancer and supports efforts to combat constipation. It is also recommended for individuals on a weight-loss diet. Additionally, fruits provide us with various vitamins, such as A, C, E, B vitamins, and potassium.

Eating fruits during the fall season is an excellent idea. Their vitamin C content boosts our resistance to colds.

Thanks to simple sugars like glucose and fructose, fruits can effectively replace sweets. They are a much healthier alternative to candy bars, cookies, or ice cream, but remember that the most health benefits come from consuming fresh fruits. And what about canned fruits in syrup, which we often buy? Unfortunately, according to experts, it's not the best choice.

Avoid artificially sweetened fruits. It's a terrible choice

These types of products not only contain fruits but also numerous additional ingredients that increase their caloric content. Fruits in syrup are loaded with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which can increase bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, manufacturers often add preservatives, artificial colours, and flavour enhancers. The digestive system does not necessarily welcome these additives. Regular consumption of such products can negatively affect the body.

These products increase the risk of overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. The high glycemic index of fruits in syrup makes them unsuitable for diabetics and people struggling with insulin resistance. Avoiding artificially sweetened fruits is necessary in these cases.