Fruit is universally regarded as a healthy addition to your diet. It’s loaded with antioxidants and fiber, and the natural sugars are a wonderful swap for artificially sweetened foods. However, although fruit is generally healthy, there is one fruit that contains minimal nutritional value and should be avoided for weight loss, according to health experts.
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Dried fruit is the worst addition to your diet, according to nutritionist Lisa Richards. While most fruit is packed with a multitude of health benefits, dried fruit misses the boat. She explains, “The most common dried fruits include raisins, dried mango or dried cranberries. The act of drying fruits dramatically increases their sweetness – just look at how much sweeter raisins are compared to grapes. A cup of raisins contains 110 grams of net carbohydrates! This equates to a significant amount of sugar with very little beneficial nutrients.”
Although dried fruit is derived from a healthy food, the overload of sugar and lack of nutrients makes it the nutritionally questionable counterpart to regular fruit. When you dry out fruit, it is stripped of the key benefits that support the healthy functioning of your body, leaving you with pure carbs and sugar--no better than a candy bar!
Richards warns that while dried fruit is the worst for weight loss, people who struggle with other health concerns should be weary of fruit in general. She says, “Some fruit should be avoided, by most people, due solely to the sugar content. This is especially true for those with a diabetes diagnosis or prone to Candida albicans and other yeast infections. Anyone can determine if a fruit is too high in sugar by looking at its net carbs. This is calculated by finding the total carbohydrates then subtracting the fiber and sugar alcohol.”
On the whole, fruit is a wonderful addition to your diet for weight loss, containing a balance of antioxidants and fiber which are great for gut health and digestion. However, if you’re looking to maximize the benefits of your diet and fruit consumption, you’re better off sticking to the original form, steering clear of dried options, despite how delicious and sweet they may be. While all foods can still be enjoyed in moderation, from day to day, fresh fruit is the way to go!
