The Skinny:
No one is bashing fruit. Americans simply don’t eat enough of them, which is a recipe for a lousy diet and poor personal health. Fruits, after all, are loaded with nutrients, vitamins and fiber, all good things. But not all fruits are created equal. Some have high levels of natural sugar, fats, carbohydrates and calories, which can be a cause for concern for those on a weight maintenance program or who are diabetic. Even others may want to check excessive consumption of certain high-calorie, high-carb fruits. So which are the fruits that raise red flags? Read on.
The Slate:
Dates
This dried fruit is prized for its rich, sweet flavor, making it an ideal natural replacement for refined sugar. They are also loaded with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium, copper and magnesium. The red flag rub comes in because dates are also high in sugar and carbs. One cup holds 451 calories and 120 grams, respectively.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit—apples, raisins, apricots and pineapples, etc.—come springing to mind when it comes to healthy snacks. There is sound logic behind this. These fruits contain components like potassium, fiber and vitamin C. Unfortunately, dried fruit is also notoriously high in calories, carbs and sugar. One cup can contain more than 475 calories, 105 grams of sugar and 125 grams of carbohydrates.
Lychee
A tropical and somewhat exotic fruit, lychee looks and tastes great. They go further by having plenty of vitamin C, copper and potassium. Lychee also has lots of sugar—29 grams per cup—as well as more than 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Mangoes
Mangoes are luscious and delicious and high in good things like
C, folate and copper. They are also low in fiber and pretty high in sugar and carbs, 22 and 25 grams per cup, respectively.
Dried coconut
Shredded coconut is a great and tasty addition to baked goods, smoothies and even some breakfast dishes. More than just being delicious, it is also high in things like
manganese, copper and selenium. Reg flags surface when it comes to dried coconut’s high level of fat and calories. A cup serving had a whopping 560 calories and 56 grams of fat.
Bananas
These are an important part of many diets and for good reason. They contain potassium, magnesium fiber, protein and vitamins. One banana, however, also holds a sizeable amount of carbs, sugar and calories.
Grapes
Some have called grapes the Queen of Fruits. They are high in antioxidants and also offer potassium, vitamin C and copper—which is all good health news. The drawback to grapes comes because they are high in sugar and also hold a substantial amount of carbohydrates.
Eyes Up:
Is there a fruit you avoid? Tell us at info@wellwellusa.com.
