Fruits For Weight Loss
People who are trying to lose weight frequently hear the same advice over and over; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink water, and reduce caloric intake. How do fruits help you lose weight if they contain so much sugar, though? The answer may surprise you.
Fruits are not created equally in regards to weight loss. However, snacking on any fruit helps reduce cravings for sugary, high-calorie foods. Fruits also contain vitamins and minerals many dieters lack, further reducing cravings that may be triggered by nutritional deficiencies.
Fruits with high water content, such as oranges and watermelons, help dieters feel full on less food. Since these fruits are so high in water content, they are generally very low in calories. A starving dieter could eat half a watermelon without seriously affecting their rate of weight loss.
High fiber fruits serve several important functions for weight loss. First, fiber swells in the digestive tract, causing a feeling of fullness, which automatically reduces hunger. Secondly, fiber helps the body slow down digestion to a normal pace, which helps sweep the intestines clean of excess waste. High fiber diets have also been shown to reduce the absorption of fats. Apples, most berries, pineapple, and oranges are all good fiber containing fruits.
Finally, dieters may benefit from specific fruits. Pineapple, for example, contains compounds that reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. Pineapple is useful for recovering from hard workouts, bruises, and muscle spasms. Bananas are legendary for their potassium content, and may be used to help prevent muscle fatigue and cramping. Grapes, cherries, and raspberries all contain anti-inflammatory agents, and black cherries have been used to help combat joint pain.
While exotic fruit mixtures are often touted as miracle weight loss products, the best results are obtained by eating whole, fresh fruits. If you like the taste of exotic fruits, there is no harm in adding them to your diet, but there is also no need to eat them if you don’t want to. Commonly available fruits provide the same benefits as so-called super-fruits, but without the added cost.