Fruits, When Best to Eat Them

Fruits! I was just entering the door of my room after a hectic day’s work when I received a call from my father. He said he was calling to report my mother to me, and I was like, “Ha! Why me? Why not report her to your firstborn? Moreover, what has she done this time?” He said he was calling me to tell me that my mom never listens to what he says.

Because he wanted to imbibe the culture of healthy living, He told me that that morning, momma ate a whole medium-sized pawpaw he brought in from the pawpaw tree in the house’s backyard immediately after her breakfast. Now, she is complaining of constipation at around 6 pm, the same day. He said he saw a WhatsApp broadcast that one is not supposed to eat fruits immediately after a meal as it causes a slowing emptying of the stomach that can lead to the food taking so longer in the stomach than usual that it can cause the food to start rotting slowly in the stomach.

Due to the type of lifestyle we lived while I was still living at home, I asked to speak with momma, and she told me that I should not listen to my father, that she was not feeling constipated, that she was just a little problem passing out stool that she was not constipated at all. Dad was then complaining that she had not been to the toilet for “number 2” for the past 3 to 4 days and that she usually goes almost every other morning.

What are the stories that are been told online? That your fruits should not be eaten after a meal because it causes more work for the digestive system and causes slow emptying? That you should not eat it on an empty stomach because you will not be able to utilize the nutrients in them. You should not eat your fruits towards the end of the day because it increases the acidity of your stomach and causes ulcers, and so on.

My stand and take on all these? There is absolutely no human being on the face of the planet that should be restricted on their fruit intake only except if they have related disease conditions where they cannot digest the sugar present in them (sucrose) or there is the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and even in the case of DM, their intake is closely and strongly monitored, they are not completely restricted.

There is no specific stipulated time for the consumption. Also, people diagnosed with duodenal ulcers are told to restrict their intake from the citric family, which includes orange, lemon, lime, grape, clementine, pomelo, tangelo, etc. You can take your fruits hours before your next meal, you can take them a few minutes before your next meal, a few minutes after your meal, the first meal of the day, the last meal of the day, as a snack, as a dessert, or whenever you see it fit.

This is because there has been no scientific backing that their consumption at any time of the day negatively affects the digestion of your meal to such a large extent that will you need urgent medical attention. It is beneficial to the body to eat at least 2 servings daily as they contain vitamins and minerals, which are micronutrients needed by the body to help metabolize macronutrients in our main meals.

Moreover, eating them combined with vegetables is usually termed as the soldiers of the body that help with the immune function of the body system to help the body fight against infections and illnesses.

After a quick clerking of my mother, I asked about her 72-hour dietary recall, water intake, activity level, fruit intake, and general oral intake, including medications. My dear mother took a medication that helps stop stooling about 3 days ago because she had a job screening, she was so nervous that she had to medicate herself because she has a nervous stomach.

So, after her screening, she had been eating fruits with all her meals. Just because, not even because she wanted to visit the toilet for “number 2”. My father just happened to notice that she had not been going to the toilet early in the morning like always. He was not aware that she had medicated herself. So, it was never about how and when she ate her fruits.

If you notice that after eating a particular fruit, you get a running stomach or start to pass watery stool frequently, you should refrain from eating the specified fruit.

My Rendition of the Essay.

Are you caught in the endless cycle of confusion about the “right” time to eat them? It’s time to clear the air and debunk the myths that have long dictated our fruit consumption habits. The widespread misconceptions about eating fruits only at certain times of the day have led to unnecessary dietary restrictions and anxiety. Here’s why these myths are unfounded and detrimental to our health and well-being.

Myth 1: Don’t Eat Fruits Right After Meals

The belief that consuming them immediately after meals slows down digestion and leads to food rotting in the stomach is a myth that lacks scientific evidence. Our digestive system is well-equipped to handle various foods, including fruits, regardless of the timing.

Myth 2: Avoid Fruits on an Empty Stomach

Another popular myth suggests that eating fruits on an empty stomach is harmful and prevents nutrient absorption. This myth is not entirely true. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber; the body can utilize these nutrients effectively, whether consumed on an empty stomach or not.

Myth 3: Eating Fruits at Night Causes Acidity

The idea that consuming fruits towards the end of the day increases stomach acidity and leads to ulcers is another unfounded claim. Fruits are generally alkaline and can help neutralize acidity in the body, not cause it.

The Reality: Fruits are Flexible Friends

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for fruit consumption. Restricting fruit intake to specific times overlooks the essential benefits they offer. Fruits are packed with vital nutrients that support metabolism, enhance immune function, and fight infections. Limiting when we can eat them based on myths restricts our access to these nutrients.

Health Conditions and Fruit Consumption

Of course, specific health conditions, such as diabetes or fructose intolerance, require a more tailored approach to fruit consumption. However, even in these cases, fruits are not entirely off-limits. With proper monitoring and guidance, fruits can and should be a part of a balanced diet.

Personal Experience and Listening to Your Body

Listen to your body. If certain fruits cause discomfort, it’s wise to avoid them. But don’t let myths dictate your diet. Our bodies are unique, and so are our dietary needs. What works for one person may not work for another, making it crucial to find what best suits your body.

Conclusion: Embrace Fruits Anytime

Let’s shift our focus from unfounded restrictions to embracing their health benefits. Eating at least two servings daily, regardless of the time, is a healthy practice that can lead to a more balanced diet and improved overall health. It’s time to debunk these myths and enjoy them freely, without time restrictions. Your body deserves the best regardless of when they are consumed, and it is a step in the right direction.

Remember, the best time to eat fruit is whenever you want it. Let’s prioritize health and wellness over unfounded myths and enjoy the delicious, nutritious bounty nature provides us, one fruit at a time.

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Oyebanke Ilelaboye

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