The short answer is yes. But to understand why, you need to read the long answer…

We’re always being told to make sure we eat our fruit and veggies. In fact, if you look around in your office, chances are most of your colleagues have probably packed a fruit or two for lunch.

But is there such a thing as too much fruit?

Apparently, yes if you’re watching your weight!

According to researchers at Imperial College London, some people are actually eating too much fruit, leading to health problems such as obesity, and to tooth decay.

Experts say while we can’t deny fruit’s health benefits – it’s packed with vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, which protect against disease – people often forget that fruit is packed with calories.

And if you’re overweight or suffer from high cholesterol or diabetes, too much fruit could spell trouble. It could also explain why, despite your healthy lifestyle, you’re piling on the kilos.

Scientist, Carel Le Roux, explains: “One of the problems is people forget that fruit – like all food – contains calories. And the calories in fruit can make you just as overweight as those in chocolate.”

We’re meant to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day – ideally two of fruit and three of veg. But depending on your choice, you may be consuming more fructose – or fruit sugar – than you thought.

For example:

• Apricot 0.45g fructose (pinch of sugar)

• Clementine 0.5g (pinch)

• Plum 1.6g (large pinch of sugar)

• Fresh fig 2g (1/2tsp)

• Orange 3.6g (over 1/2 tsp)

• Five strawberries 4g (1 tsp of sugar)

• Banana 5.5g (1 tsp)

• Grapefruit 7g (1 1/2 tsp of sugar)

• Handful raisins 8.7g (nearly 2tsp)

• Golden Delicious apple 11g (2tsp)

• Pear 11g (2tsp)

• Large bunch (500g) grapes, 39g (nearly 8 tsp)

Le Roux goes on to say: “Different people over-eat different things. But the people who eat fruit to excess are often weight-conscious. I’ve seen patients who can’t understand their obesity because they eat healthily, then it turns out they are eating way too much fruit or drinking fruit smoothies all day – glugging down 300 calories in a couple of minutes.”

Then there’s the damage fruit can cause to teeth. Chewing fruit releases sugar in the mouth, where it attacks the teeth. Fruit juice or smoothies are even more of a problem, as the juicing or blending breaks down the fruit further, so more sugar is released in the mouth.

Teeth are particularly vulnerable to acidic citrus fruits, which can soften tooth enamel.

So, tomorrow morning when you’re packing your lunch for the office, take a bite out of this research!

CONGRATS!
Congratulations to Angela Barton for winning a His and Hers luxury Balinese massage voucher from Spa Royale on the Umhlanga Ridge!
Enjoy!