Eating fruit every day is a great way to maintain your health. Fruits can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. But when is the best time to eat fruit? Is it true that you should eat fruit on an empty stomach? Check out the following reviews:.
When is the best time to eat fruit?
Fruits are rich in fiber and antioxidants essential for the body. Generally, there is no specific time that is best to eat fruits—you can eat them whenever you like. Whether for breakfast, after exercising, or before a meal, the best time to eat fruits depends on your needs and body condition.
Here are some guidelines about the best times to eat fruits:
In the morning
Eating fruits for breakfast helps you regain energy after a night's sleep. Some believe that eating fruit on an empty stomach promotes detoxification and weight loss.
According to GoodRx, no research has shown that fruits should be consumed on an empty stomach. As a result, you can eat fruits for breakfast, whether on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal.
The myth that fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach comes from the idea that eating fruits after a meal can slow digestion, causing food to linger in the stomach, resulting in bloating, discomfort, and other issues.
In reality, while eating fruits may slow stomach emptying, it does not cause food to remain in the stomach indefinitely and rot. Food mixes with stomach acid, which has a low pH and prevents most microorganisms from growing.
Healthline confirms that there is no scientific evidence that eating fruit after a meal causes bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain. So, you can eat fruit on an empty or full stomach.
Between meals
Eating fruit between meals can help maintain an ideal weight. Fruit makes you feel fuller longer, preventing hunger between meals. This helps avoid overeating and keeps your weight stable.
Eating fruit between meals also aids digestion because the body is already releasing various enzymes to digest the fruit. You can enjoy a plate of fruit or a fruit salad topped with nuts or seeds.
Tips for eating fruits
Not everyone has the habit of eating fruits daily. You can consume fruits as fresh produce or as juice.
For those who are starting the habit of eating fruits, here are some tips:
- Mix fruits with protein like nuts, low-sugar peanut butter, or cheese to enhance the flavor
- Use fruits as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt
- Add frozen berries to smoothies
Fruit can be eaten at any time, whether in the morning, afternoon, or as a snack after dinner. Experts emphasize that the main focus should be on eating enough fruit every day. The USDA recommends eating 1.5–2 cups of fruit per day, including a variety of types. So, to meet this requirement, eat fruit whenever you want.
If you have any questions about nutrition and diet, consult a nutritionist, or you can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about nutrition, food, and other diet tips? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Jones. T. (2023). 5 Myths About the Best Time to Eat Fruit (and the Truth). Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-time-eat-fruit
Foley, J. (2024). Is It Better to Eat Fruits on an Empty Stomach? A Dietitian Explains. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/eating-fruit-empty-stomach
Pharmeasy. (2024). When Should You Eat Fruits To Obtain The Maximum Benefits?. Available from: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/when-should-you-eat-fruits-to-obtain-the-maximum-benefits/
Kubala. J. (2024). When To Eat Fruit for Weight Loss, According to a Dietitian. Available from: https://www.health.com/when-to-eat-fruit-for-weight-loss-8671133
