Struck by sugar cravings? These fruits could be your saviour
Sugar is an essential ingredient for numerous physiological functions. It
is the all-important source of energy for your brain, muscles and other organs.
They all need glucose to carry on their work. Most importantly, it is needed
for maintaining blood glucose levels. According to the daily dietary
recommendations of The American Heart Association, women can have 24g (6
teaspoons) and 36g (9 teaspoons) of sugar. However, sugar craving makes isn’t
healthy for you.
When you crave for sugar, over consumption is the logical outcome. When you
go overboard on sugar, your body stores them in fat cells, leading to weight
gain. Over-consumption of sugar can be the culprit behind many health conditions
including diabetes, high cholesterol levels, so on and so forth.
Fortunately, dieticians and food scientists have provided us with a list of
fruits that have a lower concentration of sugar than those energy bars and
other fruits that are packed with sugar. These fruits do contain sugar, but
they also provide other nutrients like fibre, vitamins and minerals for added
benefits. They help you deal with your sugar craving.
Oranges
Experts recommend eating one whole fruit instead of drinking a glass of
freshly squeezed juice because a glass will contain the juice of two to three
oranges, thus increasing the sugar content. An orange may have nearly 12 grams
of sugar and enough vitamin C to cover your daily requirement.
Grapefruits
One half of a grapefruit contains about 8 grams of sugar and can make a
good-sized snack. It may also provide diuretic properties.
Plums
With only 7 grams of sugar and 30 calories each, these deep coloured fruits
can make a perfect mid-afternoon snack to satisfy your sugar cravings. They
provide antioxidants, support blood sugar levels and aid digestion.
Avocados
Yes, avocados are fruits and they can be the perfect snack as they have
good fats to support heart health and cholesterol levels. Average-sized
avocados have almost negligible amounts of sugar, with just over 1 gram per
fruit.
Watermelons
You can indulge in 1 cup of diced watermelon without feeling too guilty
because it has only 10 grams of sugar, lots of iron and diuretic properties to
reduce water retention.
Kiwi
These little fruits are rich in vitamin C and can pack a punch with their
sweet and tart flavours. Available almost all throughout the year, one kiwi has
approximately 6 grams of sugar.
Peaches
With about 13 grams of sugar per peach, these soft, fuzzy fruits make
wonderful sweet treats for adults and children.
Apples
Based on the same idea that whole fruit has less sugar than a glass of
fruit juice, opt for one medium-sized apple that contains approximately 19
grams of sugar and loads of fibre too.
Berries