Can fruit help with a sweet craving for individuals trying to limit sugar?
Table of Contents
Fruits and their natural sugars: Whether following a low-carbohydrate diet or having diabetes and watching your A1C, many have heard that fruit is either bad or okay because of its natural sugars. Sugars in fruit are natural. How they affect blood sugar depends on various factors, like which foods they’re paired with and if diabetes is a factor. Counting carbs or noting the glycemic index or glycemic load of foods being eaten, understanding low-sugar fruits can help make choices that best fit your dietary needs. Certain fruits are considered lower in sugar because they contain fewer carbohydrates and sugar, allowing you to consume a larger portion.
Low-sugar fruits include:
How much fruit an individual eats may differ if they follow a specific low-carb meal plan or are counting or modifying their carbohydrate intake because of diabetes. Adults should consume two cups of fruit or juice or a half-cup of dried fruit daily. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2015) Most fruits have a low glycemic index/GI because of the amount of fiber they contain and because the sugar is mostly fructose. However, dried fruits like raisins, dates, sweetened cranberries, melons, and pineapples have a medium glycemic index. Sweetened dried fruits have an even higher glycemic index.
Fruits are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet craving. The fruits listed are ranked from lowest to highest sugar content, providing a quick way to assess sugar content. The fruits lowest in sugar have some of the highest nutritional values, plus antioxidants and other phytonutrients.
Limes contain:
Lemons contain:
Rhubarb contains:
Apricots contain:
Apricots are available fresh in spring and early summer. They can be eaten whole, skin and all. However, watch portions of dried apricots as they shrink when dried.
Cranberries contain:
While they’re low in sugar, be aware that they are usually sweetened when dried or used in a recipe.
Guava contains:
They can be sliced or dipped in salty sauce, including the rind.
These fruits generally have the lowest sugar content and are among the highest in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Berries, lemon, and lime can be added to flavor water.
Raspberries contain:
Eat a handful, or use them as a topping or ingredient. Fresh in summer or frozen year-round.
Blackberries contain:
Strawberries contain:
Berries are excellent choices for a snack, a fruit salad, or an ingredient in a smoothie, sauce, or dessert.
Blueberries contain:
While blueberries are higher in sugar than other berries, they’re packed with powerful antioxidants.
Kiwis contain:
Kiwis have a mild flavor, and the seeds and skin can be eaten.
Figs contain:
These figures are for fresh figs, and it may be harder to estimate for dried figs of different varieties, which can have 5 to 12 grams of sugar per fig.
Tangerines contain:
These low-sugar citrus fruits have less sugar than oranges and are great for salads. They are also portable, making them healthy additions to packed lunches and snacks.
Grapefruit contains:
Individuals can enjoy fresh grapefruit in a fruit salad or by itself, adjusting the amount of sugar or sweetener.
Individuals following a low-carb eating plan should remember that while some popular diet plans factor in the glycemic index or glycemic load of foods, others only factor in the number of carbohydrates.
In general, individuals following a low-carb diet are recommended to try to eat fruits low in sugar.
Fruit choices when managing diabetes will depend on the type of diet being followed. For example, when counting carbohydrates, individuals should know that 1/2 cup of frozen or canned fruit has about 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Individuals with diabetes may want to consult their primary doctor or a registered dietitian to help design an eating plan that incorporates fruit appropriately.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015. Available at health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
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The information herein on "A Guide to Low-Sugar Fruits: Making the Right Choices" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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