Eat fruit, better before or after meals?

We must bear in mind that the recommended daily amount of fruit is two or three pieces . According to a WHO and FAO report, it is advisable to eat a minimum of 400 grams of fruits (and vegetables) per day. Having said that, it should be clarified that when we have doubts about whether it is better to eat fruit before or after meals , we do so thinking about weight, since we have heard and read many times that taking fruit for dessert may not be the better idea if we want to win the battle to the scale. However, this opinion has detractors and supporters.

Some of the arguments of those who defend that it is better to take the fruit as a dessert are based on that when finishing a meal with a fruit , we are choosing a healthy dessert and avoid resorting to a sweet or fatty dessert. In addition, they also argue that choosing dessert fruit is always a good option if you are on a healthy diet or menu .

On the other hand, those who defend that it is better to take fruit before the main meals argue that, in doing so, we face food with less hunger, since the fruit is satiated thanks to its contribution of fiber, so we will eat less . They also maintain the theory that taking fruit before meals facilitates digestion and greater absorption of the nutrients of the fruit.

One option is clear: taking fruit in the middle of the morning or mid afternoon helps to keep the metabolism active and, in addition, allows us to bet on a healthy snack and give up more caloric options.

So, when is it better to drink fruit?

What we must be clear about is that the fruit contributes the same calories it takes when it is taken. The fruit will always contain the same number of calories consumed at the time of day it is consumed. Therefore, the key is to find the caloric balance .

As we said before, the important thing is to take fruit within a healthy and balanced diet . If we have made a very caloric and heavy meal in which we have already crossed the line, evidently it will not be the best idea to top it off taking coconut dessert (which is one of the most caloric fruits).

The caloric balance is not achieved in a single meal, if not with a balanced diet throughout the day.

The importance of eating fruit

What we must be clear is that fruit is essential in our diet, as it provides a large amount of vitamins and minerals essential for our body. In addition, the fruit has antioxidant effects, provides fiber, moisturizes and helps purify the body, among other virtues.

We must also bear in mind that not all fruits have the same caloric intake . There are fruits that contribute less calories, such as watermelon, apple, melon or grapefruit and fruits with higher caloric intake such as bananas, coconut, dates and avocados .