Experts point out that fruits are not optional snacks, and there are four principles to follow for proper fruit consumption.
1. Quantity
An apple a day. The "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" recommends that adults should consume 200-400 grams of fruit daily. One or two regular-sized apples, pears, oranges, etc., are sufficient.
2. Pairing
The more varied, the better. Eating fruit should also emphasize diversity. For example, after eating an apple, have some strawberries and oranges. This ensures you get enough quantity and enriches your nutrient intake.
3. Timing
For healthy people, eat whenever you want. For healthy individuals, there are no time restrictions for eating fruit; you can eat whenever you like. However, for those managing their weight or with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, eating fruit before a meal can provide a significant amount of dietary fiber and potassium, and reduce the amount of food consumed during the main meal. Conversely, for the thin or malnourished, eating a lot of fruit before a meal can affect appetite, so it's recommended to eat after meals. It's worth noting that you should avoid eating very sour or astringent fruits like hawthorn or persimmons on an empty stomach in the morning, as they may cause discomfort.
4. Selection
Choose seasonal fruits first. The quality of seasonal fruits is superior to out-of-season ones. For northern regions, there are no seasonal fruits before April; May is for strawberries; May to June has cherries, waxberries, and apricots; July to August is the time for watermelons and peaches; September to October brings apples, pears, crabapples, pomegranates, and kiwis; after that, oranges and tangerines become available.