Fruits are not only tasty and easily available, but they are one of nature’s potent sources of vitamins, minerals, and a host of other nutrients. Eating these super foods at the right time and with the right combination of other foods can go a long way in ensuring that your body fully absorbs all the vitamins, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates that it needs to function in good health. Ancient Ayurveda texts are very descriptive on how to get the best out of fruits without causing unwanted side effects, like bloating, gas, and heartburn.
Raw fruits contain rich fiber and simple sugars which require more time to be digested and absorbed. When taken after other foods (especially “digestion intensive” foods) this process is delayed and causes bloating, gas, heartburn, and other digestive problems, as the fruit ferments while waiting to be digested.
The best time to eat fruits is either first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, or as a mid-morning snack, in between breakfast and lunch (about 1 hour before a meal, or 2 hours after your meal).
Avoid eating fruit close to bedtime as the sugar spikes up your energy and will keep you awake and alert.
Do not eat fruits in excess as fruits have their own calories that add to the other calorie dense foods to make it a double whammy and will backfire on your health. As other foods prevent fruits to be digested efficiently, so also a fruit-based diet will prevent nutrition absorption from foods such as vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy foods.
