Clowns, heights, sharks, or spiders... these are all very common fear and phobias that people face every day. But have you ever heard of the fear of fruit? Called Fructophobia, it happens when people are scared that seeds will germinate inside their body, or that they'll be poisoned or infected through a piece of fruit.
However, today we are going to talk about a different fear of fruit people also have: the fear that fruit is unhealthy or it's going to make them fat, thus avoiding its consumption.
Fruit is extremely beneficial, so why would people believe that? Sugar might be the answer to that question. People reason that sugar is unhealthy, and fruit has a lot of it, so that means fruit is bad, right? Wrong. This is an oversimplification that might be shielding you from consuming the healthiest food on the planet. Let's break it down:
- Your Body Needs Natural Sugar. Dr. Sebi proclaimed that sugar was very bad for us, and while that statement is true, he was referring to the refined sugars found in processed and fast food. Sugar actually runs every single cell in our body, especially our brain, so its consumption is vital. It's just a matter of having the right kind of sugar that's found in fresh fruits and high-carbohydrate vegetables. Want to know what kind of sugar is healthy? The answer is simple: if you can find it in the Nutritional Guide, it is good for you.
- Fruit Won't Make You Fat. Lately, the media has been campaigning to get people to stop eating fruit in favor of higher fat or higher protein diets. But this is absurd. People who eat more fruit tend to have lower BMI's and be healthier than people who avoid it. The magic of fruit lies in the abundance of nutrients tied to anti-obesity effects, like fiber. Fiber aids in weight loss because it helps delay gastric emptying and increases satiety. That means you'll feel fuller, for longer, thus consuming fewer calories. In addition to this incredible anti-obesity effect, fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers. Also, fruit tends to replace higher calorie goodies and treats. In other words, you're much more likely to choose an apple or an orange instead of a cookie. And that swap-out strategy can result in significant calorie savings over time. For example, try this amazing recipe for healthy "candy" apples next time you have a craving for dessert.
- Fruit Will Make You Live Longer. Fruits are incredibly dense in many essential and non-essential micronutrients. This high density of micronutrients means that you can obtain large quantities of these nutrients without needing to consume massive amounts of food. The high density of fiber, minerals, micronutrients, and other phytochemicals in fruits are a big reason why fruit consumption is associated with longer life spans and higher quality of life in different parts of the world, like the "Blue Zones", which are regions of the world where people live a lot longer than average, and it's not rare to find very active "centennials". Try to include more fruit in your diet by trying different Journal, like this amazing "Hot Fruit" bake.
- Fruit Will Make You Beautiful. In addition to an array of minerals and phytonutrients, fruit also contains plenty of antioxidants and water. Water helps your skin and hair stay hydrated from the inside out, and antioxidants improve circulation, which boosts blood flow to the skin surface, imparting a natural glow. Antioxidants also fend off compounds that damage skin from the outside in, including free radicals produced by sun exposure, pollution, and cigarette smoke. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants to give you glowing skin and healthy hair and nails.
- Fruit Gives You Energy. If you're active, consuming fruit pre-workout is a great way to fuel exercise and energize your cells. Two great examples are burro bananas and soft-jelly coconuts. Burro bananas and soft-jelly coconuts provide the same nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes that sport drinks while also promoting a greater shift in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in movement, mood, and endurance. That's why the "Tropical Paradise" Smoothie is a perfect pre and post-workout drink, you've got to try it!
In conclusion, you should not be scared of eating fruit. Fresh fruits are an incredibly healthy addition to your diet. They are packed full of essential micronutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals. Plus, they're delicious! They are excellent additions to everything from smoothies to salads and a great way to get your children to eat healthy snacks.
