In the summer, various fruits are on the market. Many people like to buy some to eat at home. Sometimes they eat them as snacks, sometimes they eat them as desserts after meals. Some people even make a fruit platter and put it on the dining table, so they can eat fruit while having a meal. Is it good to eat fruit while having a meal?
It is okay to eat fruit while having a meal
It is okay to eat fruit while having a meal. Some people say that eating fruit on an empty stomach can stimulate the stomach and intestines, and eating vegetables and fruits after a meal can affect digestion. So, eating a moderate amount of fruit while having a meal can perfectly solve this problem, and it also has certain benefits.
Benefits of eating fruit while having a meal
Reduce calorie intake
Fruits are voluminous and low in calories. Eating some fruit during a meal can reduce the total energy intake of a meal. It can be used to replace some oily dishes or staple foods, which is beneficial for reducing the energy density of a meal and preventing obesity.
Reduce salt intake
When seasoning fruits, there is no need to add salt. Using them to replace some salty dishes can improve the mineral balance of a meal. The total salt intake and sodium intake of the body will be reduced, which is helpful for controlling blood pressure.
Provide active enzymes
Eating fruit during a meal can provide a lot of active enzymes, which can help food digest better. Many fruits are rich in proteolytic enzymes, such as pineapple and papaya. For people with weak digestive ability, eating these fruits with high-protein foods can make the stomach more comfortable.
Promote the absorption of nutrients
Eating fruit while having a meal can use the oil in the dishes to help absorb fat-soluble antioxidants such as carotenoids and lutein in fruits. It can also increase the amount of dietary fiber and minerals in a meal, promoting the absorption of nutrients.
Which fruits can be eaten during a meal
During a meal, you can eat fruits such as papaya, pear, pineapple, mango, and fig, which are rich in carotenoids (most brightly colored fruits contain carotenoids). Eating them together with oily dishes makes them easier to be absorbed by the body. Secondly, the fruit acids in fruits also have appetizing and relieving greasy effects. If you want to eat more, you can add some sour fruits such as kiwi and orange.
Tips for eating fruit during a meal
1. You can consider making fruits into dishes, such as papaya and pig's trotter soup, pear porridge, etc. When cooking fruits, avoid excessive frying to avoid destroying the light and healthy characteristics of fruits. Stir-frying and stewing should be done in a short time. It is better to cook other ingredients first and then add the fruit at the end.
2. Do not eat fruits that are prone to browning. If fruits are prone to browning, it is best to stew them, but they must be added after the soup boils. This can kill the oxidase and prevent discoloration. Apple dumplings in soup are a good choice. After boiling and cooking the dumplings, add crushed apple.
3. If you make fruit salad, you should use less salad dressing. Salad dressings have a fat content of up to 80%. You can consider using yogurt, which promotes digestion and is beneficial for beauty.
