As the temperature gradually warms up, the delicious "fruit season" is approaching again. When eating fruit, one should follow the principle of "fresh, seasonal, varied, and in moderation". To fully reap the health benefits of fruit, it's essential to avoid the following 6 misconceptions:
Misconception 1: Eat whenever you want
Fruits contain more organic acids and tannins, and some also contain highly active proteases. Eating at the wrong time may cause irritation and harm to the stomach.
Misconception 2: Eating more is harmless
It is advisable to consume about 200 grams of fruit per day. Most fruits are high in dietary fiber, and eating too much can cause stomach pain and bloating.
Misconception 3: Fruit can replace vegetables
Although the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables is similar, fruit cannot replace vegetables. For instance, the vitamin C content in cabbage and spinach is about 10 times higher than that in apples, peaches, and pears.
Misconception 4: Fruits have the highest vitamin content
Vitamins are a large family with many members. While fruits may be rich in certain components, they also have their "shortcomings." For example, fruits do not contain fat-soluble vitamins, and the vitamin C content in most fruits is limited.
Misconception 5: You must peel fruit to prevent pesticide exposure
The peel and the flesh right beneath it are often the most nutritious parts of the fruit, so throwing them away is a waste. In fact, there is no need to excessively worry about pesticide residues on the peel. China has explicitly banned the use of highly toxic pesticides on fruits and vegetables that are eaten directly. Moreover, most fruits are consumed several days or even months after harvesting, by which time the pesticides have largely decomposed. Before eating fruit, you can rinse it repeatedly or soak it in rice washing water for a while to remove surface residues.
Misconception 6: Imported fruits are more nutritious
p>Imported fruits incur high costs for transportation, packaging, and storage, so their selling price is also high. To make them look good, these fruits may be treated with preservatives or waxed on the surface to maintain a bright and beautiful appearance, but their nutritional value gradually degrades during transport. Therefore, it is best to eat local, seasonal fruits.