Understanding Fruit Selections

by Janine L.
(California)

Visitor Question:

Why are the tropical fruits like bananas, pinapples, mangos, papayas,and other fruits like watermelon unacceptable?

Lifetime Fat Loss Answers:

Good question. It is true that fructose, the simple sugar that is found naturally in fruit, honey and plants is a natural nutritive sugar. It is also true that fructose most often does not elevate blood sugar. In fact, according to the Glycemic Research Institute, the American Diabetes Association, in their research (Diabetes; 05/2000) has found that, contrary to popular opinion, small amounts of fructose actually improves glucose tolerance in normal humans, especially those with low glucose tolerance.

So, why are some tropical fruits, banana, lychee, paw paw and also watermelon (which is not tropical) on the high glycemic list? Because these fruits have very concentrated, large amounts of fructose content. Mangos, papayas and kiwis (which are grown in northern climates) are only high glycemic when they are overly ripe. Perhaps the sugar content is high in the banana, pineapple and watermelon because of the time they take to ripen. The ripening process itself adds fructose content. They certainly taste very sweet.

You do not have to give up these nutritious fruit forever. But do avoid them while you are on your way to your goal weight. Once you are there, enjoy them occasionally after a meal when you want something sweet, or in the case of the banana as the only food in your snack because it is so filling. Fruit really is the most ideal dessert and snack because it is naturally sweet and highly nutritious. As we know from the research of the American Diabetes Association, fruit which contains small amounts of fructose (the low glycemic fruits) can improve your glucose tolerance which helps you to balance your blood sugar.

Go to fruit nutrition facts to learn more about the nutrition in all fruit and to read about the ones that are low glycemic that you can eat NOW!